| This study engaged students who attend a LEEDRTM gold certified school in Colorado, as co-researchers to explore their perspectives about health in their school environment. The methodology was developed as a participatory post-occupancy evaluation method, an innovative adaptation of photovoice. The study raises awareness about opportunities green schools have to facilitate children's health. The students identified fourteen environmental attributes that they perceive as facilitating health. Two of the fourteen attributes emerged as the most significant, including community connectivity and a connection to nature. The research discusses social sustainability in relationship to an internationally recognized health framework. Five themes emerged in the study including stewardship; a desire for learning; participation in recreation, physical activities, and relaxation; sense of belonging to a community; and cultural values and attitudes of well-being. The study addresses shortcomings of existing post-occupancy evaluation techniques, and proposes an interdisciplinary, qualitative approach to the evaluation of children's environments. |
