Towards Climate-Just and Sustainable Schools: Developing the Level(s)+37 Passive Design Framework

Abstract

This study presents the Level(s)+37 Framework, a decision-support tool consisting of 37 indicators designed to evaluate and enhance passive design performance, social equity, and climate resilience in primary and secondary schools. Aligned with the six macroobjectives of the European Level(s) scheme, the indicators are organised into seven thematic clusters—thermal comfort, indoor air quality, solar control and daylighting, environmental ergonomics, ecological sustainability and circular economy, climate justice and social equity, and educational value with stakeholder participation—covering all life-cycle stages from design to retrofit. The framework was developed through a six-phase mixed-methods protocol, including a systematic review of 210 scientific and regulatory sources, 24 semistructured interviews with school stakeholders, and a Delphi–AHP involving 170 experts. The resulting hierarchy of indicators (CI < 0.10; Kendall’s W = 0.78) ensures methodological robustness and contextual relevance for the Spanish school building stock. By integrating environmental, technical, and pedagogical dimensions, the Level(s)+37 Framework serves as both an evaluation tool and a catalyst for sustainable transformation, promoting participatory governance and climate-responsive learning environments.