Collaborative for High Performance Schools releases 2019 Core Criteria Version 3.0 Update

The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) released its K-12 school-focused CHPS 2019 Core Criteria 3.0.

The third edition incorporates recent developments in construction and building materials technology. It also adds credits addressing lowering school buildings’ carbon footprint through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resiliency to climate change.

“These guidelines continue to be the only school-specific rating system that prioritizes student performance in its monitoring and benchmarking tools,” according to a CHPS news release. The guidelines set standards for schools for indoor air quality, natural lighting, acoustics, energy efficiency, and the use of low-emitting building materials.

The CHPS Core Criteria is developed and maintained by the CHPS National Technical Committee, an all-volunteer 62 member committee representing school districts, designers and engineers, government agencies, education advocates, researchers, and product manufacturers.

National nonresidential construction spending increased 0.1% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Spending is up 18% over the past 12 months. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.07 trillion in June.

K-12 Schools | Jul 31, 2023

Austin’s new Rosedale School serves students with special needs aged 3 to 22

In Austin, the Rosedale School has opened for students with special needs aged 3 to 22. The new facility features sensory rooms, fully accessible playgrounds and gardens, community meeting spaces, and an on-site clinic. The school serves 100 learners with special needs from across Austin Independent School District (ISD).

Market Data | Jul 24, 2023

Leading economists call for 2% increase in building construction spending in 2024

Following a 19.7% surge in spending for commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings in 2023, leading construction industry economists expect spending growth to come back to earth in 2024, according to the July 2023 AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel.

School Construction | Jun 29, 2023

K-12 school construction: 5 ways strong community relations can lead to success

When constructing a K-12 school, building positive relationships with the community—including students, parents, school staff and residents—is critical to the success of the project. Here are five ways Skanska puts the community first when building K-12 schools in the Pacific Northwest.

Standards | Jun 26, 2023

New Wi-Fi standard boosts indoor navigation, tracking accuracy in buildings

The recently released Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11az enables more refined and accurate indoor location capabilities. As technology manufacturers incorporate the new standard in various devices, it will enable buildings, including malls, arenas, and stadiums, to provide new wayfinding and tracking features.

Engineers | Jun 14, 2023

The high cost of low maintenance

Walter P Moore’s Javier Balma, PhD, PE, SE, and Webb Wright, PE, identify the primary causes of engineering failures, define proactive versus reactive maintenance, recognize the reasons for deferred maintenance, and identify the financial and safety risks related to deferred maintenance.

Childs are playing with play clay in classroom

K-12 Schools | Jun 5, 2023

How to achieve cost-effective kindergarten classrooms

Educational architect Robin Randall shares realistic advice about the challenges of adding developmentally appropriate, play-based kindergarten classrooms while respecting budget limitations.

K-12 Schools | May 30, 2023

K-12 school sector trends for 2023

Budgeting and political pressures aside, the K-12 school building sector continues to evolve. Security remains a primary objective, as does offering students more varied career options.