What is it about?
Climate-friendly school buildings can help students learn better while also using less energy. This study looks at how modern schools in Malaysia deal with heat from the sun and suggests ways to improve their design for a hotter future. Researchers visited two schools to measure temperature, humidity, and daylight levels. They also created a computer model of a classroom to test different design improvements. The study found that three key changes helped reduce heat and make classrooms more comfortable: Larger Roof Overhangs – Extending the roof overhang to 1500 mm provided more shade. Better Roofing Materials – Using white-painted zinc roofs reflected heat away. Smaller Window Areas – Reducing window sizes by 30% (while keeping them openable) lowered heat entering the classrooms. These changes reduced solar heat gain by 6%, making classrooms cooler and more comfortable. The study shows that passive design solutions can help Malaysian schools become more climate-resilient and energy-efficient.
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Why is it important?
Schools in Malaysia can get very hot because of the strong sun. When classrooms are too warm, students find it harder to concentrate and learn. At the same time, using air conditioners or fans too much increases energy costs and harms the environment. This study is important because it shows how simple design changes can make schools cooler without relying on expensive cooling systems. By using smart design solutions like bigger roof shades, better roofing materials, and smaller but openable windows, schools can reduce heat, save energy, and create a better learning space for students. With climate change making temperatures rise, these improvements will help schools stay comfortable and ready for the future.
Perspectives
Students need comfortable spaces that support their focus and connection to their surroundings, rather than relying on gadgets or ‘smart’ technology. A well-designed classroom—cool, naturally lit, and well-ventilated—creates a better learning experience without the need for excessive digital tools. When students feel at ease in their environment, they become more aware of it, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for their space. Instead of depending on air conditioning or advanced tech, simple passive design solutions can work with nature to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. By prioritising thoughtful design over technology, schools can cultivate learning spaces that shape not just knowledge, but also the way students feel, think, and interact with the world around them."
Dr Najah Md Alwi
University of Malaya
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Retrofitting measures for climate resilience: Enhancing the solar performance of Malaysian school buildings with passive design concepts, IOP Conference Series Earth and Environmental Science, November 2022, Institute of Physics Publishing,
DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/1102/1/012014.
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