Educational spaces hold immense power in shaping the minds and experiences of future generations, especially in children’s formative years. The physical spaces where learning takes place must support that goal—more than just a structure, they are environments that influence creativity, collaboration, and innovation. As such, the design and infrastructure of educational buildings play a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to learning. This is not always the current reality, however–tens of thousands of educational buildings and institutions across the country face the risk of moisture and water damage.
Offering a potential solution, the Biden-Harris Administration’s Renew America’s Schools Program, a $500-million initiative to transform the infrastructure of K–12 public schools, marks a new turning point for education infrastructure nationwide. This program acknowledges the widespread need for energy-efficient upgrades, with 30% of applicants desiring enhancements to their building envelope. A key component of the building envelope is Air and Water-Resistive Barrier (AWB) systems, vital to safeguarding educational structures. Whether or not a school is a recipient of this new grant, the building enclosure community should consider AWB systems to help protect these cherished institutions.