How are we approaching zero carbon in our school buildings?
In response to the climate emergency, the Vale’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Team adapted their construction practices to support the net-zero target as part of Band B of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, committing to deliver all new schools from 2022 to be a minimum of low(in-use/operational) carbon where location of the development restricts the ability to be net-zero (in-use/operational carbon.
Steps to achieving a net-zero carbon building (operational):
Reduce operational energy use
Reductions in energy demand and consumption should be prioritised over all measures
Increase renewable energy source
On site renewable energy source should be prioritised
Zero carbon balance
Any remaining carbon should be offset via the purchase of off site renewable energy
Measurement and verification
Annual energy use and renewable energy generation on site must be reported and independently verified in use each year for the first five years
The approach to achieving a net-zero carbon operational building was based on the framework outlined in the UK Green Building Council document: Net-zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition
Although careful consideration has been taken to select materials that maximise the fabric first approach (whereby thermally efficient walls, roof, windows and doors reduce energy loss and minimise the energy needed to heat the building) and be easy to construct and maintain, the Council wanted to take the project further to address embodied carbon.
The Council is currently working with representatives from the construction industry to develop an adaptable and scalable school design that is net-zero carbon (operation) and low embodied carbon. Hereby looking at the materials and the embodied carbon these contain and elements such as transport to site.