RMI Report Release – HVAC Choices for Student Health and Learning

What Policymakers, School Leaders, and Advocates Need to Know about All-Electric, High-Performance HVAC

HVAC systems are responsible for an estimated 56% of all energy use at schools.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from school HVAC systems across the country cost society an estimated $2 billion annually.
HVAC systems operational in schools today produce an estimated 23.5 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent nationwide.
There is an upward trend in cooling degree days nationwide and increased demand for space cooling.
US students spend about 1,000 hours per year at school.
- Unhealthy temperatures and air quality are both clearly linked to significantly reduced academic performance.
- Studies have identified that increasing ventilation rates, decreasing CO2 levels, and providing cooling can improve student academic performance.

RMI is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to transform global energy systems across the real economy.