Impact of sustainable design elements on student learning

Author

Mary Levengood

Date Approved

2017

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Engineering Technology

First Advisor

Shinming Shyu

Second Advisor

Jiang Lu

Abstract

This paper looks at various studies to determine the impact of sustainable design elements on students' learning through researching previous studies and applying positive attributes to a case study of Bush Elementary School located in Essexville, Michigan. The sustainable practices outlined in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) that will be focused on are thermal comfort, lighting, indoor environmental quality, and using the building as a teaching tool. This paper will briefly discuss why sustainable practices are an important issue on a global and local level. Implementing environmentally preferable building elements in schools is not only beneficial to the planet but can also have a positive effect on absentee rates, student and teacher attitudes, and test scores. Deteriorating educational facilities are becoming increasingly prevalent. Investments into the infrastructure of buildings can benefit students, staff, and long term savings.

Comments

Bush Elementary School Case Study Drawings are attached below as an additional file.

Recommended Citation

Levengood, Mary, "Impact of sustainable design elements on student learning" (2017). Senior Honors Theses and Projects. 526.
https://commons.emich.edu/honors/526