In January 2023, Ashe embarked on an ambitious carbon reduction journey to combat climate change while aiding clients in achieving their own carbon reduction objectives. A key project of theirs then went on to win a Pagabo Award for “Best Project Delivering Sustainable Outcomes”.
Project Overview
The £15.8m school caters to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and is being developed within the grounds of the existing Valley School.
Ben Jones, Head of Delivery for the South of England, said: “The Direct Award, via Pagabo’s Medium Works Framework allowed Ashe Construction to become involved in the project at a very early stage. This contributed to a project delivered on time, within budget, and to a delighted client, teachers and most importantly; pupils.
The journey to net zero should be a priority for all businesses in the built environment, which is why it’s pleasing to see Valley School highlighting the importance of carbon reduction with its new SEN facility. We have been particularly impressed with the considerations that have been made to ensure the project has a positive impact on the local community, as well as enhancing biodiversity in the area.”
Ashe’s Construction & Technical Director, Dan Armes, provides an in-depth look into The Valley, highlighting the company’s enthusiasm for incorporating sustainability into their projects.
Commitment to Net-Zero Carbon
“The World Green Building Council is steering the construction industry towards a net-zero carbon built environment through its Advancing Net Zero campaign,” explains Dan. “The goal is for all buildings to be net-zero carbon by 2050, with a 40% reduction in embodied carbon by 2030. Other initiatives, such as RIBA’s 2030 Climate Challenge and the LETI Climate Emergency Design Guide, outline ways for the construction industry to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Be Lean (Fabric First Approach)
“At the Valley School, building products which provide maximum insulation such as warm roof cassettes over the central part of the building and insulated green roofs over the classroom pods will help to regulate internal temperatures all year round. For the external walls, structurally insulated panels are being used and the doors and windows will be aluminum double glazed thermally broken units. The floor has been constructed with insulation and screed over a beam and block floor.”
Be Clean
“To achieve net-zero operation, the building will be powered entirely by electricity sourced from renewable energy via a green tariff. There will be no fossil fuels used. Additionally, 14 electric vehicle charging points, with infrastructure for 14 more, are included in the car park to promote environmentally efficient travel. Efficient LED lighting with daylight dimming and absence detection, air source heat pumps, and mechanical heat recovery systems are also integrated to minimise energy consumption and maximise efficiency.”
Be Green
“The total annual estimated energy use for the building is 197MWh so to aid renewable targets, the 202 photovoltaic panels on the roof will create 80.86MWh of electricity. Computer simulations show that 15.64 tons of carbon dioxide emissions are saved which is equivalent to the planting of 718 trees.”
Be Seen
“The heating and ventilation systems are automated and linked to local thermostats and CO2 sensors, ensuring optimal efficiency without manual adjustment. Ventilation is mechanical throughout, except for the sports hall, which utilises natural cross-ventilation. Point-of-use heaters provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need for energy-wasting storage.”
Enhancing Local Biodiversity
“The project also prioritises enhancing local biodiversity with the installation of bat and bird boxes, bug hotels, and green roofs on classroom pods. The building’s location in a shallow valley ensures it blends into its natural surroundings.”
Environmental and Community Impact
“Local labour is utilised wherever possible to reduce transport emissions. Excess materials are carefully recycled through Encore, Ashe’s waste management consultants, ensuring minimal landfill waste. Excess timber from the project is donated to pupils for their own woodwork.”
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