Japan schoolkids wilt in under-insulated classrooms

Takatoshi Kimura, a Katsushika ward official in charge of facility renovation, checking heat insulation in a ceiling in a classroom at the Seiwa Elementary School in Tokyo. - AFP

TOKYO: Pupils are wilting in ageing school buildings in Japan because poor insulation is cancelling out the effect of air conditioning, leading to drowsy kids and testy teachers.

But it also means higher electricity bills and more carbon emissions in a country that campaigners say is behind on making buildings more energy efficient.