Assessment of Elementary Schools in District Three of Tehran based on the Sustainable School Indicators

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the climate changes and reduction of energy resources, the human-made environment and buildings should be more sustainable and use less levels of energy. In this regard, optimizing energy consumption and utilizing sustainable architecture approaches, especially in schools, can do a great help to the growth and development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate elementary schools in district three of Tehran based on indicators of sustainable schools.

Methods: This descriptive-cross sectional study included all elementary state schools in district three of Tehran in 2018. In this way, 28 schools were evaluated. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire containing 14 sub-criteria in terms of engineering-architectural and behavioral criteria. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests by SPSS 23.

Results: Findings of the research showed that most (82.1%) elementary schools of district three of Tehran are second-grade green schools and only 17.9% are first-grade. No significant relationships were found between the school officials’ concern about environmental issues with the school’s sustainability score. 

Conclusion: Elementary schools in district three of Tehran are at a relatively desired status based on the indicators of sustainability, but given the importance of designing ecosystem-compatible educational spaces, more attention should be paid to the design of schools based on the sustainability index.