Many of the recently built classrooms and multi-purpose halls are designed to make use of natural ventilation for cooling. This has been criticised by some parents and commentators but there is actually a strong body of science supporting the use of natural ventilation in schools.

Multiple studies have shown that increased ventilation rates result in improved learning outcomes. Besides improved learning outcomes, higher ventilation rates have also been shown to reduce student absences.

With rising electricity costs (both economic and environmental) there are also financial benefits to be had from reducing the use of air conditioning systems. Turning air conditioning systems off periodically can result in massive savings on electricity consumption with one study of 39 Sydney offices in 2002 identifying annual energy savings on heating and cooling of 79% and a 2001 study of 18 UK buildings identifying an average of 52% measured annual savings in heating and cooling energy.

For schools wishing to improve their students’ learning outcomes while also reducing their energy costs, window types are a key consideration. While there is no nationally recognised system for comparing the differences in ventilation available through various window types Bill Cloumassis, Breezway National Sales Manager says “It’s obvious to see that modern Breezway Altair Louvre Windows offer greater ventilation than any other window type as they have no fixed panes of glass and the louvre blades open fully to maximise the ventilation through the entire window area whereas most other window types are limited in how wide they can open.”

Please refer to the Energy page on the Breezway website www.breezway.com.au to read the full article.