School Health Research Library

This web-based research library compiles and categorizes hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and major reports examining how school buildings influence student and staff health, well-being, and academic performance. Curated by the Center for Green Schools, this resource provides a searchable and browsable interface that allows users to explore evidence by topics such as indoor air quality, ventilation, lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, and environmental health equity.

The library is designed to support school administrators, facilities professionals, policymakers, and advocates in making data-informed decisions about school environments. Each study in the library includes a brief description, citation, and key takeaways, making it easier for non-researchers to quickly understand the implications. The site allows filtering by environmental factors, health outcomes (e.g., asthma, absenteeism), and population characteristics (e.g., age, geographic context), which is especially helpful for users tailoring interventions to specific school conditions or community needs.

One of the key values of this resource is that it translates dense academic findings into digestible summaries and organizes them for practical use. For example, a district facilities director looking to justify HVAC upgrades can filter for studies linking ventilation and test scores or reduced asthma symptoms. Additionally, the library includes links to foundational reports such as Harvard’s Foundations for Student Success and EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools.

Overall, this library serves as a dynamic evidence hub supporting informed investments in healthy, high-performing school infrastructure. It is updated regularly and is especially helpful when preparing grant applications, policy memos, or board presentations advocating for indoor environmental quality improvements.