Prime Highlights
- UK DfE launches £33 million pilot for ultra-low-carbon school designs.
- Project will test sustainable construction methods and improve existing school buildings.
Key Facts
- Six standard school designs will be developed under the programme.
- Academic partner will study impact on wellbeing, learning environment and building performanc
Background
The UK Department for Education (DfE) has begun the search for an academic assurance partner to support a £33 million pilot project aimed at developing ultra-low-carbon and regenerative school designs across England.
The initiative is part of the government’s long-term 10-year Education Estate plan and will test new ways of building and improving school infrastructure using sustainable methods and materials. The programme will develop six standard school designs, including both single and dual-building layouts for school sites.
Along with new construction, the project will also focus on upgrading existing school buildings and introducing environmental improvements such as biodiversity enhancements on school grounds.
The DfE said the pilot will explore innovative construction techniques and technologies, including energy storage systems and bio-based materials such as timber.
The department will also work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) under its Timber in Construction Road Map to support greener building practices.
Following early engagement earlier this year, the department is now preparing to appoint an academic assurance partner. This partner will work alongside an innovation lead to support research, evaluation and delivery of the programme.
The academic partner will focus on the social and educational impact of the project. This includes studying how new school environments affect teaching, learning, wellbeing and behaviour. They will also help develop engagement tools to involve schools and communities during the early stages of the project.
Once buildings are completed and in use, the partner will carry out detailed evaluations. These will measure factors such as air quality, temperature, acoustics and student wellbeing, combining both data and feedback from users.
The findings will be published in reports and case studies to guide future school design decisions.
The DfE said the programme aims to create more sustainable, healthier and more effective learning environments for students while reducing the environmental impact of school infrastructure.
