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Stylized Text: Energy Efficient Schools: Diagnostic Testing.

Picture of NASEO Logo.Large Scale Study and Diagnostic Testing of Schools and Classrooms

This National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored study investigated indoor air quality problems in U.S. schools via a nationwide, school conditions survey, field conditions audits and problem school retrofits.

The two part, on-line conditions survey included general questions about each school and its operation, and subjective questions concerning comfort conditions at the school. Conditions audits were conducted in eight schools in Florida, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington. Ventilation problems were found at each school. Retrofits were then conducted at four of the audited schools. While implementation problems were encountered, some success was still realized in several schools.

Project conclusions include that school conditions improvements are possible but schools must have real incentive(s) to participate and all work must be supervised by a qualified energy analyst. In addition, the project results indicate that without substantial priority changes to better fund school maintenance, widespread significant improvements will not be realized. See the Conclusions page for more details.

Picture of Online Survey. Conditions Survey
A two part on-line survey instrument was developed that included general questions about the school and its operation, subjective questions concerning comfort conditions at the school and energy use specific questions.

Picture of Grill. Conditions Audits
Conditions audits were conducted in eight schools in Florida, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington. The audits included zone pressure mapping, ventilation tests, sampling and monitoring of indoor temperatures, CO 2 levels and RH, and in some cases a blower door building air tightness test.

Picture of Retrofits. Retrofits
Retrofit opportunities were pursued at each audited school and a total of four retrofit projects were completed. Since the funding offered through this project would have only covered a small percentage of the work recommended, none of the schools opted for any large scale retrofits.

Picture of Book Cover. Conclusions
The results from this project and even the lack of participation on the part of the schools indicate that without substantial funding being made available for school maintenance, widespread significant improvements will not be realized. Even beyond basic maintenance funding, there is a matter of priorities for schools.