We were appointed by the UK Department for Children Schools and Families (previously known as Department for Education and Skills) as sustainability consultants to ensure that both BREEAM assessments of this Academy —during design and post-works completion—obtain a “Very Good” environmental and sustainability rating.

We have been involved throughout the design phase of the project with regular meetings and communication with the project managers, architects, engineers, and other specialist consultants such as the landscape architects, ecologist, acoustic consultant, security consultant, and other. We issued updated BREEAM Schools reports summarizing the status of the project in terms of sustainability credentials, and advising on the future steps to ensure the “Very Good” rating is on track, and providing guidance as to the type of actions and specifications needed, as well as the evidence documents to be produced.

Issues such as the choice of low-impact materials and insulation, day-lighting levels in classrooms, and energy-efficient heating, lighting, ventilation, and cooling system, and the protection and enhancement of the ecological features of the site are of crucial importance to the success of this project and the well-being of the students.