Abstract:

Through this project, we aim to study the microclimate of a secondary school, namely Raffles Girls’ School (RGS), in Singapore using the Integrated Environmental Modeller (IEMsim) developed by Singapore’s lead public sector agency responsible for economic oriented research, to evaluate the air flow and temperature of certain areas in the school, and how this can affect the comfort levels for students and teachers alike. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in hot weather trends in Singapore, with countless heat waves and dry spells throughout the year, due to urbanization, climate change, and urban heat island effects. These factors collectively contribute to a rise in temperature in Singapore, and this is especially felt in schools that are only ventilated by ceiling fans, which could have adverse effects on productivity.

The IEMsim can be used to simulate and analyze complex environmental interactions, as seen when it was used by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) in Singapore in the development of an upcoming estate. This was used to determine the ideal placement of buildings to improve wind flow, as well as identify areas that are exposed to greater temperatures to introduce more greenery at these spots to lower the temperature.

We strongly believe that creating a comfortable study environment in schools is crucial as uncomfortably high temperatures can lead to heat stress, dehydration, and reduced concentration, negatively impacting students' health and overall well-being. We believe there is a direct relationship between physical studying environment and students' cognitive abilities. Comfortable temperatures and proper ventilation have shown to positively influence academic outcomes.

Additionally, Singapore's push to become cleaner and greener aligns with the goal of creating sustainable and eco-friendly school environments. Incorporating natural factors, like trees and green spaces, offers numerous environmental advantages. Trees contribute to the overall reduction of the urban heat island effect, which is particularly important in a tropical climate like Singapore's. They provide shade and reduce temperatures, making the learning environment more comfortable for students and teachers alike. Furthermore, studies have shown that exposure to nature reduces stress levels, improves mood, and enhances cognitive functioning. By increasing the number of trees in school environments, Singapore can enhance its overall air quality and create a more comfortable atmosphere for students.

In a nutshell, using IEMsim to investigate the microclimate of a school in Singapore is crucial for creating a comfortable study environment, especially considering recent hot weather trends. The simulator's capabilities enable a comprehensive analysis of design choices and their impacts on airflow and temperature. By leveraging the lessons learned from the simulator's use in the Tengah estate, the school can make informed decisions to enhance its microclimate, fostering better learning and well-being for its students and staff.

Keywords:

Environment, environment modeller, simulation, school, Singapore, microclimate.