Share This Story

The Invisible Crisis in K-12 Classrooms

For decades, fluorescent tubes replaced windows as the primary light source in school buildings. Yet, the vast majority of K-12 facilities were constructed during the mid-20th century, a time when natural sun exposure was not a design priority. Today, this outdated model presents a measurable problem. Numerous studies confirm that the lack of natural daylight adversely impacts student health, cognitive function, and academic performance. We must therefore prioritize daylighting in K-12 school design.

Reintegrating Daylighting: A Strategic Investment in Education

Reintegrating daylighting in K-12 school design is not just a building upgrade; it’s a strategic investment that yields tangible, positive outcomes, aligning physical infrastructure with educational goals:

  • Elevates Student Achievement: Demonstrated to bolster math and reading scores and increase cognitive performance.
  • Improves Wellness: Supports student health and stabilizes behavior.
  • Drives Sustainability: Achieves significant energy efficiency and operational savings, offering a rapid return on investment.

CPL National K-12 Practice Leader, Graham Boyd, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, provides expert insight on this necessity. His experience reincorporating daylight into complex projects has resulted in sustainable, modern-day learning environments.

Explore the definitive research and see how strategic design—including clerestories, optimized solar orientation, and advanced lighting controls—can revolutionize the learning environment.

About the Author: Graham Boyd

In his role as National K-12 Practice Leader at CPL, Graham J. Boyd excels in managing complex K-12 education projects, leading master planning, renovation and new construction ventures across every region. A staunch advocate for sustainable design, his LEED AP certification underlines his dedication to creating enriching learning environments that address pressing K-12 needs while ensuring a greener and more promising future for students, educators and their communities. With a primary focus on nurturing strong connections with clients and stakeholders throughout every project, Graham epitomizes the seamless fusion of visionary leadership and sustainable innovation.