This study aimed to compare a number of quantitative and qualitative aspects of usage across a sample of 10 conventional, 20 energy-retrofitted and three green Toronto schools. Student, teacher and staff absenteeism data, as well as Grade 3 and 6 student performance data on reading, writing and arithmetic tests administered by Ontario's Education Quality and Accountability Office were collected. A survey of 150 teachers was conducted to investigate their satisfaction with the indoor air quality, lighting, thermal comfort and acoustics of their school buildings. The statistical analysis of the data showed that teachers in green schools were in general more satisfied with their classrooms and personal workspaces' lighting, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, heating, ventilation and air conditioning than teachers in the other schools. Nevertheless, they were less satisfied with acoustics. Student, teacher and staff absenteeism in green schools also improved by 2-7.5%, whereas student performance improved by 8-19% when compared with conventional schools. However, these improvements were not statistically significant and could not therefore be generalised to all Toronto public schools. Whether these marginal improvements justify the extra cost premium of green buildings remains an active contentious topic that will need further investigation.

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The paper discusses innovation and uses information and communication technology (ICT) as an example. A general framework that is broad in the perspectives it examines is presented for the analysis of innovations and technology adoption in the construction industry. The framework is described in relation to the life cycle of a technological innovation and consists of two primary perspectives: a macroview (top) and a microview (bottom). The analysis models either determine characteristics or measure values. Each analysis model is discussed in some detail and applied to an ICT example. The relevance of the framework is summarized by a discussion of how these interrelated analyses are applicable to the decision-making process within a particular firm and of the mechanisms required by the industry to improve the innovation process. A framework is required that is comprehensive in its ability to look at information and knowledge flows in support of innovation within the industry and at the interrelationships between micro and macro influences. Gaps in current approaches include a lack of quantitative analysis tools, the ability to reflect the dynamic aspect of innovation, and industry knowledge of practical decision-making tools. Key words: innovation, technology adoption, information and communication technology, construction engineering.

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A study has been initiated by the Canadian Construction Innovation Council to support the measurement of the performance of the Canadian construction industry. Metrics have been established to cover aspects of cost, time, scope, quality, safety, innovation, and sustainability. The metrics were piloted with industry partners and applied to institutional building and infrastructure projects. The metrics were selected in recognition of other national and international efforts in benchmarking and with a view of supporting analysis at the project, organization, and industry level. The experience gained through the pilot project indicates that the metrics are reasonably well understood in their definition. While the cost, time, scope, and safety information is readily available, as expected, the information for quality innovation and sustainability is not or requires more detailed in-person interviews of project participants to obtain a complete picture of project performance. The data analysis and presentation conducted to date indicates that a combination of radar charts and box plots works best as a means to communicate results. The result of the study to date is a standard set of metrics, and collection and reporting methods for the performance of the Canadian construction industry that are useful as the basis of a broad benchmarking program.