Schools and the ways in which their buildings can be utilised effectively (in terms of learning, energy and other resources) are areas of particular interest to us. Our focus is on the way the curriculum can be used to teach pupils how buildings work and how energy consumption can be reduced by behaviour change. Schools on the pilot scheme had potential no/low-cost savings between £3000 – £8000. Following involvement of the whole school community, one school reduced its electricity bill by a weekly average of 44%.
Using workshops, assemblies and lessons, we have worked with pupils to conduct post-occupancy evaluations of their own school buildings, and in the process supply the staff and construction industry with useful data. We have also worked to increase awareness of pupil capabilities amongst academics seeking to understand the design requisites for good learning environments. Read more on this here.