Energy Efficiency Measures in Oregon Instructional School Facilities Implemented Under SB 1149, and Improved Student Performance

Energy generation, transmission, and distribution, requires a costly infrastructure to meet increasing demand. The success of energy efficiency measures (EEM's) are largely based on cumulative energy and cost savings. This research attempts to add improved student learning to the list of benefits when implementing EEM's in instructional school facilities. Our literature review of current research demonstrates that maximizing natural daylight in the design of school buildings reduces energy consumption, as well as improves student performance [1]. Additionally, EEM's can benefit student performance through direct and indirect environmental improvements that enhance usability, productivity, and comfort [2]. Through statistical analysis of data collected by the Oregon Department of Energy and the Oregon Department of Education, student mathematics assessment passing rates, before and after EEM implementations, are compared and analyzed using a panel analysis methodology and a simple pooled regression. The result of our research finds a positive significant correlation between EEM's and improved student performance. An average increase in mathematics assessment passing rates of 0.3808% after EEM implementation, provides a basis for further analysis. Finally, this research aims to promote energy conservation projects in instructional school facilities, by identifying improved student learning in addition to already established cost-savings, and environmental benefits.