The modernization project at Oakland High School consisted of major renovations in Building E (a 5,573 SF wellness center) and Building F (a 20,400 SF historic shop building). In addition, the project included the construction of one new building, Building G (a 16,320 SF classroom building). In addition to the challenge of renovating aging buildings to provide a healthy and productive educational environment, the design team also had to meet stringent energy efficiency requirements.

The new multi-purpose building at the Urban Promise Academy consists of approximately 11,000 SF of new construction including a multi-purpose gymnasium with raised platform stage, office, conference room, equipment storage, rest rooms, a lobby, and art/music classrooms. The project is located within the Oakland Unified School District.

Many school districts are finding the resources to renovate their
existing schools and build new ones while improving environmental
conditions at the same time. Green design practices not only
minimize operating costs, but they can protect the health of students and
teachers. Green schools engage students in a learning environment where
air is healthy, conditions are conducive to learning, and children can thrive.

The Coast Community College District (CCCD), located in Orange County, California, comprises three community colleges that enroll more than 60,000 students per year in over 300 degree and certificate programs. Founded in 1947, the CCCD enjoys a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) introduced new Outdoor Lighting Standards in 2005 to conserve energy and reduce electricity peak demand. The Outdoor Lighting Standards regulate lighting power, controls, and allowed lighting fixture types. Illuminated signs are also covered by the Standards.

Older schools in this district were built with few windows, and students complained they felt "claustrophobic." Based on these comments, as well as concerns about energy efficiency, the school board decided that natural light was essential to the learning experience.

Using the integrated energy design approach, designers can cost-effectively lower building operating costs while improving workers' comfort and boosting productivity.

Students enrolled at the Georgina Blach Intermediate School (Blach School) in Los Altos, California, walked into a newly remodeled, high-performance school facility in the fall of 2002.

Situated near a lake in the desert above the Mojave River, the new Learning Resource Center at Victor Valley Community College provides more reading and study areas, book stacks, conference rooms and offices to the college's existing library. The building's form (including its central skylight, roof monitors, and angled shading devices) provides dramatic natural lighting in the addition's reading areas.

Using fundamental components of the Daylighting Designer's Toolkit, designers can improve the visual environment, create a higher-quality space, and lower energy costs for buildings.

Not all energy-efficiency measures are appropriate for all building types, but some are especially useful for particular buildings. This Design Brief reminds designers and builders of opportunities they should consider in each of their projects.

A few building simulation runs early in a project can lead to design solutions that, though they appear simple, significantly improve building energy performance.