Towards Environmentally Sustainable Educational Spaces in Semi-Desert Areas: Visions from Schools in New Cairo City

Abstract

The study examines the extent to which school building designs in Egypt, particularly in the semi-desert climate of New Cairo, align with environmental sustainability standards. In response to rapid population growth and rising demand for educational buildings, many school buildings continue to prioritize cost efficiency and basic functionality while overlooking essential sustainability considerations, such as energy performance, building orientation, and indoor environmental quality. Adopting a multi-method research approach. The initial analytical phase involved a review of both local standards, issued by the (GAEB) and the (CHPS), with a focus on core physical comfort factors: temperature, ventilation, and lighting. While other factors have been identified, but are considered less influential, outside the scope of the study, and more suitable for specialized studies. The pilot phase involved field documentation of selected school models, which, although not intended to be fully representative, serve to illustrate instances where environmental sustainability considerations were overlooked despite the availability of space. The comparative phase that utilized software tools to assess environmental performance, and then offered targeted passive design strategies to address identified gaps. Findings terms of energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and resource management. The study highlights the urgent need to embed environmental sustainability in national school design policies, emphasizing its role in reducing operational costs, enhancing occupant comfort, and improving educational outcomes. It offers original, context-specific insights and practical recommendations to support resilient, energy-efficient, and pedagogically effective educational environments in Egypt.