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We aimed to identify, describe and analyse school environment assessment (SEA) tools that address behavioural risk factors (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol consumption) for non-communicable diseases (NCD). We searched in MEDLINE and Web of Science, hand-searched reference lists and contacted experts. Basic characteristics, measures assessed and measurement properties (validity, reliability, usability) of identified tools were extracted. We narratively synthesized the data and used content analysis to develop a list of measures used in the SEA tools. Twenty-four SEA tools were identified, mostly from developed countries. Out of these, 15 were questionnaire based, 8 were checklists or observation based tools and one tool used a combined checklist/observation based and telephonic questionnaire approach. Only 1 SEA tool had components related to all the four NCD risk factors, 2 SEA tools has assessed three NCD risk factors (diet/nutrition, physical activity, tobacco), 10 SEA tools has assessed two NCD risk factors (diet/nutrition and physical activity) and 11 SEA tools has assessed only one of the NCD risk factor. Several measures were used in the tools to assess the four NCD risk factors, but tobacco and alcohol was sparingly included. Measurement properties were reported for 14 tools. The review provides a comprehensive list of measures used in SEA tools which could be a valuable resource to guide future development of such tools. A valid and reliable SEA tool which could simultaneously evaluate all NCD risk factors, that has been tested in different settings with varying resource availability is needed.

Ecologically Sustainable buildings are being designed for the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) where the building façade and equipment may serve as a project-based environment for engineering students learning about energy efficiency. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels with poly-crystalline Photovoltaic (PV) module were designed and experimentally tested. The power input, and power output, surface temperatures, and channel spacing(s) between the PV module and glazed layer(s) were measured at cooling conditions with both fan-on and fan-off conditions. The electric energy conversion efficiency and the heat transfer ratios of conduction, natural convection, forced convection, and radiation reflection were determined for BIPV panels and optimized against the surface temperature and the channel spacing(s). An optimum BIPV with compact spacing for the single glazed (double-skinned) facade was suggested to be retrofitted to existing buildings, while an optimum BIPV with compact spacing for the double glazed (triple-skinned) façade was suggested for the building development at UTS. The project is ongoing and serves as a collaborative educational platform for students and staff. Copyright © 2009 by ASME.

Ecologically Sustainable buildings are being designed for the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) where the building façade and equipment may serve as a project-based environment for engineering students learning about energy efficiency. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels with poly-crystalline Photovoltaic (PV) module were designed and experimentally tested. The power input, and power output, surface temperatures, and channel spacing(s) between the PV module and glazed layer(s) were measured at cooling conditions with both fan-on and fan-off conditions. The electric energy conversion efficiency and the heat transfer ratios of conduction, natural convection, forced convection, and radiation reflection were determined for BIPV panels and optimized against the surface temperature and the channel spacing(s). An optimum BIPV with compact spacing for the single glazed (double-skinned) facade was suggested to be retrofitted to existing buildings, while an optimum BIPV with compact spacing for the double glazed (triple-skinned) façade was suggested for the building development at UTS. The project is ongoing and serves as a collaborative educational platform for students and staff. Copyright © 2009 by ASME.