June 17, 2019 - Today the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) released its highly-anticipated K-12 school-focused CHPS 2019 Core Criteria 3.0. The third edition builds upon the CHPS 2014 Core Criteria. It incorporates recent developments in construction and building materials technology and adds additional credits addressing lowering school buildings’ carbon footprint through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resiliency to climate change.
The national CHPS Core Criteria, and its state and regional versions, are the first green building rating programs developed especially for school learning environments. Since CHPS’ founding in 1999, these guidelines continue to be the only school-specific rating system that prioritizes student performance in its monitoring and benchmarking tools. The criteria therefore prioritize indoor environmental quality as well as energy and water efficiency (reducing operating costs and addressing climate change). Additional topics include materials, waste reduction, and operations management. They also provide sustainable policies and innovations that can be adopted by schools and districts.
“CHPS supports healthy, high performance schools through its Core Criteria, which set robust standards for schools for indoor air quality, natural lighting, acoustics, energy efficiency, and the use of low emitting building materials. All of these not only make our school buildings safer and healthier, but also provide beautiful, comfortable, and stimulating spaces for our children to learn and thrive,” said Elisabeth Krautscheid, CHPS Managing Director.
“Research has proven that kids learn better in healthy, well designed and operated schools. CHPS works with school districts and industry practitioners across the U.S. to develop and implement national and regional standards for K-12 educational facilities to ensure that every child has the best possible learning environment with the smallest impact on the planet.”
The CHPS Core Criteria is developed and maintained by the CHPS National Technical Committee, an all-volunteer 62 member committee representing school districts, designers and engineers, government agencies, education advocates, researchers, and product manufacturers. The Committee establishes and maintains rigorous high performance national standards and best practices through a transparent and collaborative process, solidifying the CHPS commitment to healthy, efficient, and environmentally sound facilities that enhance the educational environment for all schoolchildren and educators.
The 2019 Core Criteria 3.0 update involved a rigorous review process which included a scientific peer review, two public review periods, and input and final consideration from the CHPS Board of Directors. We wish to thank all of the parties that helped develop Core Criteria 3.0. Without their long hours and dedication, it would not have been possible to release the most comprehensive and technical update that CHPS has undergone in its history.
What’s New in Version 3.0?
The third edition of the CHPS Core Criteria features a new format with improved readability and organization. It includes a deep review of all 2014 criteria and updated references to third-party standards. Several criteria have been substantially rewritten to reflect changes in technology and professional best practices. Six new credits have been added: Energy Resiliency, Design for Adaptation & Resilience, Low/Zero Carbon Schools, Enhanced Ventilation, Circadian Lighting, and Lead-Free Plumbing. Lastly, an emphasis on climate resilience and adaptability has been added throughout.
The CHPS recognition programs, CHPS DesignedTMand CHPS VerifiedTM, have been enhanced to better accommodate non-classroom projects (to acknowledge their variety and value) and school additions (as part of larger-scope renovations or new construction).
How can CHPS Core Criteria benefit you?
Schools/School Districts - If your school or district is planning a new construction or major renovation project, contact us to find out how your organization, students, teachers, and staff can most benefit from using the CHPS Core Criteria to design, build, and verify a high performance school.
Design Firms/Commissioning Agents/General Contractors - If your company is planning or working on a CHPS project, contact us to learn how CHPS can support your professional services and assist you with our verification programs.
Product Manufacturers - If you are a high performance product manufacturer and would like to promote your products to the K-12 schools market, you can participate by pre-certifying your products with CHPS and listing your products on our high performance products listings.
For additional information about how you can participate in our programs, visit www.chps.net or call 415-957-9888.
About the Collaborative for High Performance Schools:
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) created the nation’s first green building rating program developed especially for school learning environments. Since its founding in 1999, it continues to be the only organization with a school-specific rating system that prioritizes student performance in its monitoring and benchmarking tools. The mission of CHPS is to make schools an ideal place to learn by facilitating the design, construction, and operation of a new generation of high performance schools: places of learning that are environmentally sustainable, healthy, and comfortable. CHPS is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Sacramento, CA. For more information, visit www.chps.net or call 415-957-9888.
Media Contact:
Lisa Dunnebacke, Communications & Membership Director
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools
2443 Fair Oaks Blvd., #259
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-836-3155, ldunnebacke@chps.net
