Morgan Sindall holds topping out ceremony at the Buntingford First School, the UK’s first net zero school
Buntingford First School is scheduled to open in 2023 and will be one of the first net zero school’s – in both embodied and operational carbon – in the UK.
It was procured through the Pagabo framework and is set to achieve Passivhaus Plus – meaning it will improve the school’s air quality, reduce carbon emissions and lower its energy running costs.
The design utilises a cross-laminated timber (CLT) frame.
On completion, the frame is set to be responsible for saving 1,160 tonnes of carbon, as well as reducing construction traffic by 90% and savings of 20%.
Over 300 solar panels will be installed alongside triple-glazing windows and air-source heat pumps.
David Rowsell, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said:
“Projects like Buntingford First School are incredibly rare, with very few set to become net zero in operation and embodied, as well as utilising a Passivhaus design.
“It will set a new standard when it comes to sustainable, high-quality design for schools around the country.
Cllr Caroline Clapper, Executive Member for Education, Libraries & Life Long Learning at Hertfordshire County Council, said:
“This is such an exciting time for Hertfordshire and Buntingford First School aligns with our sustainability agenda and further demonstrates our commitment to net zero carbon. This will be the gold standard for school building going forward.”
