TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR EDUCATION Construction within the education sector is set to face a number of challenges in the next decade as schools look to reach net zero and utilise renewable technology and techniques. Matt Wrate, director at international M&E consultancy CPW, looks at how to
A month ago, the UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson suggested that a bridge across the English Channel would be a great idea. Now, the French company that runs the Channel Tunnel opened the subject to the UK government, writing to UK Prime Minister Theresa May. “The idea of a second
Most recently, it has been announced that the previously announced (and refused) plans for the development of a Crossrail station at London’s Kensal Gasworks may yet see a resurgence in interest and feasibility. Of course, the news is well received in line with the growing concern of ensuring infrastructure to
Final approval has now been granted for the construction of a brand new stadium for Tottenham Hotspur, with 61,000 seats for fans, at its present site. The stadium, which is valued at £400m will also have a retractable pitch so that it is able to play host to both traditional
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR EDUCATION Construction within the education sector is set to face a number of challenges in the next decade as schools look to reach net zero and utilise renewable technology and techniques. Matt Wrate, director at international M&E consultancy CPW, looks at how to keep schools cool yet sustainable when developing heating solutions. One of the biggest issues we face when designing schools is overheating, due to increased occupancy density and equipment gains. Keeping schools cool, especially with the ever-looming threat of climate change, has been an issue since Tony Blair’s ‘education education education’ promise that pledged to put schools at the top of the agenda. It’s easy to draw parallels to Boris Johnson’s ‘build build build’ but this time the focus is on the property and construction industry with an emphasis on helping both new and existing buildings become carbon neutral. I recently took part in a Stride Treglown Climate Action Relay panel, which looked at the challenges of delivering a carbon net zero school and considered the implementation of modern methods of construction (MMC) in schools, the impact of changing regulations and behavioural changes in reaching net zero. The consensus was that there is no one answer for reaching net zero but rather that we need a wider solution that incorporates a transparent supply chain, renewable technology, MMC and a simple way to measure operational and embodied carbon on projects. In short, we need to work together to reach the government’s 2050 target. This is where clever solutions come in. In 2000, when renewable technology first gained popularity, the cost was astronomical. However, in the decades since then the price of materials has significantly reduced and so has the overall cost. Photovoltaic panels already cover the roofs of schools across the country and a number of passive solutions have been installed to keep spaces cool before resorting to energy-hungry air conditioning. But we need to take the next step. New technology is in the research and development pipeline, so we need to begin weighing up the benefits of implementing sustainable techniques while keeping inside the budget. Even with the best intentions, if the proposed solutions aren’t economically viable, the most financially suitable option will win out every time. I believe closing the ‘performance gap’ is essential if schools are to operate as zero carbon. Engaging the client’s facilities management team, who will actually operate the building, is ideal but not always feasible at design stage. We therefore need to design systems that are simple to use without training to ensure energy is not wasted. However, the biggest difference we can make when designing schools is allowing flexibility. School buildings are used in different ways, at different times, by different groups of people and the design must facilitate this as much as possible without adding significant cost. Technology is also constantly evolving so we must consider the entire lifespan of a school – typically 25 years – and allow space to incorporate different solutions as they become available. Yes, we need to consciously design with sustainability in mind, utilising the most up to date methods and technology, but flexibility is key when reaching for carbon net zero. For further information visit www.cpwp.com or follow @CPWengineering on Twitter.
A month ago, the UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson suggested that a bridge across the English Channel would be a great idea. Now, the French company that runs the Channel Tunnel opened the subject to the UK government, writing to UK Prime Minister Theresa May. “The idea of a second fixed link is something that we regularly consider in our long-term plans and we would be delighted to engage with your officials to explore the possibility further,” wrote Eurotunnel Chief Executive Jacques Gounon. “As part of the Treaty of Canterbury and the Concession Agreement which established the Channel Tunnel, Eurotunnel has the right to build the next fixed link.” Even though in the beginning Johnson’s idea of a cross-Channel bridge was dismissed as an economic impossibility and an engineering liability, Eurotunnel seems to be interested in it, even stating they have first rights to build the link. “Building a huge concrete structure in the middle of the world’s busiest shipping lane might come with some challenges,” said the UK Chamber of Shipping. Firstly, the Channel would have to include a suspension bridge able to accommodate 80m high ships, meaning it would need towers more than 500m high, said Wanda Lewis, Professor of Structural Engineering at the University of Warwick. A more likely choice seems to be a second tunnel or even a combined bridge and tunnel, as the costs would only be a small fraction of the £120 billion needed for a bridge. The idea was brought forward by Johnson during a discussion with French president Emmanuel Macron, as a way of binding the UK and France after Brexit. However, the developments on the project need to wait until Westminster and Brussels reach a deal on Brexit.
Most recently, it has been announced that the previously announced (and refused) plans for the development of a Crossrail station at London’s Kensal Gasworks may yet see a resurgence in interest and feasibility. Of course, the news is well received in line with the growing concern of ensuring infrastructure to support the potential benefits of Crossrail within local communities. Though originally deemed not to be a a feasible plan for the site back in 2013, it has since been designed that proposals can indeed be re-looked at for the station to be developed, thus opening up the potential for improved commerce and economic prosperity along with the HS2 and Crossrail station, scheduled to open in 2026, at Old Oak. Perhaps nodding to the potential of the scheme, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, has recently requested for additional feasibility studies to be undertaken in a bid to revitalising the project. Should the studies proceed as planned, they will include an examination into exactly how a brand new Crossrail station might affect the greater rail network, also including the effective integration with other long-term capacity enhancers which are already planned for the Great Western Mainline. Of course, the potential for benefits amongst the local community are high, with the North Kensington area presently sitting as amongst the most deprived locations along the Crossrail route, as well as playing host to the largest unemployment levels in London itself. As such, the Crossrail station development could see the addition of a further 3,500 homes, on top of the already estimated 1,500 which could be developed on the site. Nodding to how transformation and redevelopment of land has a track record for encouraging the development of new homes, and creation of new jobs,, Boris Johnson commented: “By looking again at the options for this station we firmly believe that it could have a similar impact, triggering a much-needed fillip for this part of the capital.”
Final approval has now been granted for the construction of a brand new stadium for Tottenham Hotspur, with 61,000 seats for fans, at its present site. The stadium, which is valued at £400m will also have a retractable pitch so that it is able to play host to both traditional football as well as American football games, of which it will host two per season. And while the project does highlight a great piece of news for fans, it forms part of a larger goal for rejuvenation in the surrounding area which will no doubt support the local community in the times to come. The project, which has been dubbed the Northumberland development project, will include a centre for sports and health, as well as a 180 bedroom hotel. Warmington House will also be transformed into the club’s own museum. Additionally, it has been confirmed that there will be 585 homes developed at the site, with a confirmed minimum amount of £48.4m granted from this side of the development for the improvements of the stadium itself. The goal is for the project to be completed in time for the start of the season in 2018. £28m has been invested directly by City Hall from the Mayor’s regeneration fund and the London Enterprise Panel as part of the goal to rejuvenate the surrounding area – this includes investment into Tottenham Hale station, employment, training and highway improvements. And nodding to the integral role of the stadium in the community, Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, highlighted how the venue is steeped in history and that, through the development, it will be able to increase capacity by almost 100% as well as provide first-class facilities for football, sports events and concerts.
