School construction projects
Ongoing consultation with school boards helps develop, plan and implement approved local capital plans and projects.
Alberta Education oversees the prioritization, planning and approval for programs and projects, whereas Alberta Infrastructure focuses on implementation of approved capital projects, including project management and grant oversight.
Once Alberta Education has determined to approve and introduce a project into its Capital Plan, Infrastructure becomes involved by leading the implementation of such projects.
Final decisions on all new schools and major school building projects priced over $2.5 million are made jointly by the Ministers of Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Education.
School project planning and funding
The School Capital Manual (previously School Infrastructure Manual) includes policies, procedures, guidelines and references for funding and planning projects. It is updated on an ongoing basis as required.
School project technical requirements
Technical standards and guidelines for design, construction and upgrades to school facilities are in the Technical Resource Centre.
Features of modular classrooms
High-performance modular classrooms provide improved durability and structural integrity for the units over multiple moves. The modular classrooms look like permanent classrooms on the inside.
Alberta modular classrooms:
- meet the current version of the National Building Code of Canada and the Alberta Building Code
- support the attainment of LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) Silver Certification
- provide a 30-year service life based on Canadian Standards Association’s standards and withstand a minimum of 3 re-locations over the life of the unit
- meet government specified gross floor area specifications and interior volume requirements
- follow the Technical Design Standards and Guidelines which includes acoustic standards, envelope assemblies, indoor air quality and lighting