The Washington Clean Buildings Act introduced Clean Buildings Performance Standards, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency in buildings, including schools. While resources and support are available to help building owners meet these standards, conflicts are emerging between these environmental mandates and school safety and health requirements.
The Department of Health technical team invited the Department of Commerce to meet on December 4 to resolve these conflicts.
Ventilation Requirements vs. Energy Efficiency
State energy efficiency standards encourage minimizing energy use for heating, cooling, and ventilation. However, school health protocols prioritize increased ventilation and air filtration to reduce airborne pathogens and improve indoor air quality—especially in the wake of COVID-19. Balancing these competing demands can be challenging for school facilities, where energy-saving efforts may compromise air quality standards.
Cost Constraints on Older School Buildings
Many schools operate in older buildings that require substantial retrofitting to meet Clean Buildings standards. However, energy-efficiency upgrades, such as insulation or new windows, can divert funds from critical safety enhancements or upgrades to essential school facilities (gyms, playgrounds, science labs, etc).
Frequent Shifts in Guidance
Schools are caught between evolving guidelines from multiple agencies, including environmental, health, and safety authorities. This can create confusion, as mandates for emissions reduction may conflict with protocols focused on ensuring safe, healthy spaces for students and staff. Balancing compliance with Clean Buildings standards and health-focused requirements demands additional administrative and financial resources, often stretching schools thin.
Schools are challenged to balance environmental compliance with their primary mission of ensuring safe and healthy learning spaces. Before making school rules, state agencies must effectively align policies that support both goals.
