The PassiveClimateSchool research project investigates the potential and limitations of low-tech concepts for facades, natural ventilation, and natural cooling in school buildings. A central focus is the comparison with conventional systems (mechanical ventilation, active cooling) in terms of greenhouse gas emissions during construction and operation, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and adaptability to climate change. This will be used to develop a decision-making tool for designers and building owners. The methodological approach combines a literature review with the analysis of measurements and dynamic building simulations. Since summer 2024, a measurement campaign conducted by the Canton of Basel-Stadt has been continuously recording indoor air temperatures, relative humidity, and CO2 concentrations in seven school buildings from different construction eras. In addition, building inspections were conducted and a simulation model of a reference classroom was developed to investigate the impact of various measures. The work to date confirms that effective passive cooling concepts rely on effective external sunshading and the consistent regeneration of thermal mass through nighttime ventilation. The variant studies in the simulation show that organizational measures offer significant potential for reduction. The horizontal positioning of the sunshade louvers during nighttime ventilation reduces overheating hours by approximately 30%. Combined with cross-ventilation through the access corridors, this results in the lowest overheating values among all examined variants. However, building inspections document a discrepancy between planning assumptions and actual operation, as closed louvers block natural cooling and responsibilities for ventilation are often not defined. The findings are incorporated into a catalog of measures for existing buildings and form the basis for further work packages on greenhouse gas accounting, cost analysis, and the development of a decision-making tool.