Creating and Operating Sustainable Schools

Much more is expected of the current school construction programme than better looking buildings – better performing pupils and enhanced communities will be the measures of its success.

New Schools

Building a new school is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - not for the project team, but for the pupils.

Poorly thought-through design features, inadequate ventilation, or noisy echoing classrooms can have a lasting and detrimental impact on the whole education process and that means some children will not get the learning opportunities they deserve.

Sustainability is not just about choosing the right materials, plant and equipment - though these things are important. A sustainable building has to work successfully for all the people who use it. If it doesn’t, the building can’t possibly function adequately for its whole expected lifespan.

Guidance

With sustainability at the heart of their business and a unique, wide-ranging set of expertise, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) is able to guide schools through the complexities of procuring, designing, building, refurbishing and managing their school premises.

The BRE is a world leading research and consultancy organisation delivering sustainability and innovation across the built environment, and working closely with schools to help them secure a sustainable future. From initial concepts to post-occupancy evaluation and beyond, they can help you create outstanding learning environments for generations of children.

Sustainable Learning

The BRE is also helping schools to become more sustainable through the Sustainable Learning initiative, an energy and water management programme that enables schools to take back control of their energy and water use, reduce costs and lessen the schools’ environmental impact.

The programme is funded in England by the DCSF and schools working through this programme have realised energy reductions of 10% on average and have a better understanding of how energy and water is used in their schools.

The Case of Park Junior School

Managing energy and water use at Park Junior School, Kettering, has become second nature to all the staff and pupils since registering with and working on the Sustainable Learning programme.

The school has been managing energy use for seven years and Sustainable Learning has helped the school save a further £1,300 in its first year. The school has also reduced electrical use by 11% and gas by an amazing 34%, and prevented 80 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Park Junior School has achieved the highest level award under Sustainable Learning, and has ensured all members of the school are involved.

The Headteacher commented: “The benefits of using our energy campaign to link the school’s teaching and non teaching activities can already be seen in reduced fuel costs, greater awareness and improved co-operation and communication amongst all members of the school community.”

To register your school or to find out more about Sustainable Learning visit www.sustainablelearning.info or call the helpline on 08701 282820