Creating Healthier, Safer, and More Productive Educational Facilities: A Presentation by Chris Hodges at VAPPA 2025
Ensuring safe, healthy, and productive environments in the operations and maintenance of educational facilities requires more than just routine maintenance—it demands a holistic approach that integrates design, construction, operations, and occupant well-being.
At VAPPA 2025, on March 20 at 9 AM, Chris Hodges will present “Balancing Health, Safety, and Productivity in the Operation and Maintenance of Educational Facilities.” This insightful session will explore key strategies for improving the indoor environment while balancing operational demands, capital renewal, and renovation priorities.
The Nine Foundations of a Healthy Building
Drawing from the groundbreaking research in Healthy Buildings by Joe Allen and John Macomber, Chris will discuss the Nine Foundations of a Healthy Building, which include:
✅ Ventilation – Ensuring adequate air exchange to reduce contaminants
✅ Air Quality – Managing pollutants, allergens, and CO₂ levels
✅ Thermal Health – Maintaining consistent and comfortable temperatures
✅ Water Quality – Ensuring safe, clean drinking and sanitation water
✅ Moisture Control – Preventing mold growth and structural damage
✅ Dust & Pests – Reducing allergens and maintaining cleanliness
✅ Acoustics & Noise – Enhancing focus and reducing distractions
✅ Lighting & Views – Supporting well-being through daylighting and proper illumination
✅ Safety & Security – Ensuring physical security and emergency preparedness
By leveraging these nine principles, facilities managers can create a healthier learning environment that directly impacts student performance, faculty satisfaction, and long-term facility sustainability.
Key Takeaways for Facilities Managers
This session is designed for facilities managers who must balance health and safety needs with budget constraints, operational efficiency, and long-term facility planning. Attendees will learn how to:
1️⃣ Identify and manage health and safety risks throughout the building life cycle—from design and construction to operation and renewal.
2️⃣ Utilize the Nine Foundations of a Healthy Building as a framework to improve indoor environmental quality and enhance learning outcomes.
3️⃣ Link benchmarking data (such as APPA’s level of service metrics) to effectively measure and manage the learning environment.
4️⃣ Communicate the value of healthier facilities more effectively, ensuring year-over-year alignment of resources to improve campus conditions.
Why This Matters Now
With increasing concerns about indoor air quality, sustainability, and building resilience, now is the time for educational institutions to rethink how they approach facility management. Investing in healthier buildings doesn’t just protect students and staff—it boosts productivity, reduces long-term maintenance costs, and improves institutional reputation.
Join the Conversation at VAPPA
If you’re responsible for maintaining or improving campus facilities, this session will provide practical insights and actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Join Chris Hodges on March 20 at 9 AM to learn how to transform your facilities into safer, healthier, and more productive environments. Learn more about the conference here.
📅 Session: Balancing Health, Safety, and Productivity in the Operation and Maintenance of Educational Facilities
🎤 Presenter: Chris Hodges, PE, CFM, FMP, LEED AP, IFMA Fellow – FEA
📍 Date & Time: March 20, 2025 | 9:00 AM | VAPPA Annual Conference
For more information on how FEA can help optimize your facilities, reach out to us at info@feapc.com.
🚀 Let’s build healthier learning environments—together!
