Cooler classrooms program

Research shows that the quality of learning environments can have a positive impact on learning outcomes for students.

The NSW Government’s $500 million Cooler Classrooms Program has been designed to improve the quality and comfort of indoor environments within classrooms and libraries in NSW Schools.

The program will create healthy classroom environments for students. Beyond air coolling the program will provide:

• Year-round comfort. Reverse-cycle air conditioning units will cool in the summer and heat in the winter for year-round comfort.
• Fresh air. In addition to cooling and heating, the systems will supply fresh air to avoid stuffy environments.
• Improved air quality. Teachers and students will be alerted to times when additional fresh air is needed to boost indoor air quality.
• Optimising comfort. The systems are fully programmed to provide the optimal environment for any season with the touch of a button.
• Promoting sustainability. Renewable energy sources – such as solar – will be installed to limit our environmental impact.
• Promoting awareness. Through smart-monitoring, teachers and students can learn how to minimise their energy use.
• Reduced energy usage. Air conditioning will automatically shut off after 2 hours.
• Bringing the outside in. Monitors notify teachers and students when the weather outside is optimal for opening windows.

Our physical environments can affect us, our productivity and our ability to learn and develop. Improving indoor classroom environments and comfort can contribute to improved learning outcomes.