Willmott Dixon has been appointed to build a new £21m ultra-sustainable, net zero learning environment for 750 students, at Tarleton Academy in Preston
The building was procured using the Department for Education (DfE) construction framework, and will be built on land adjacent to the existing school.
The sustainable building will include 36 classrooms, as well as a range of sports facilities, including a 20m public swimming pool, a new fitness suite, and a multi-use gamed area.
The academy will be net-zero carbon in operation, achieved using an enhanced building envelope to maximise air tightness, alongside triple glazed windows.
It will also use renewable energy sources, comprising both ground source and air source heat pumps.
The roof will also feature an array of 1,500 sq m photovoltaic solar panels, harnessing renewable energy and offsetting all energy used on site.
Tarleton Academy will further benefit from Willmott Dixon’s EnergySynergyTM process.
This sees a team of zero carbon specialists compare actual energy performance for 2-3 years after handover with energy performance targeted at the design stage, ensuring there is no difference in operational use against that predicted when designed.
‘Delivering a world-class learning environment’
Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Department for Education at Tarleton Academy to deliver a world-class learning environment, which will be net-zero carbon in operation and benefit from our extensive EnergySynergyTM performance monitoring process to reduce costs.
“Sustainability is at the forefront of our business and through our 2030 ‘Now or Never’ sustainability strategy, we have pledged that by the end of 2030 all our new buildings and major refurbishments will achieve net zero operational carbon.
“Through our work at Tarleton Academy, we are proud to be accelerating our commitment.”
