An expansion project at a Rugeley high school puts it at the forefront of the drive to help combat climate change within the educational sector.
The Hart School, situated on the edge of Cannock Chase, has opened a new “net zero in operation” building housing a suite of classrooms.
It’s one of a handful of such structures created to date at UK schools by Net Zero Buildings, sustainable design and build specialists, using off-site construction.
The teaching block, which boasts three new science labs amongst its new classrooms, was delivered as part of a multi-million pound investment by Rugeley Endowment Educational Fund.
Clean technology features include photovoltaic panels across the roof, mechanical heat recovery ventilation and sensor-controlled low-energy lighting,
The unit, which replaces a former 1960s single storey building, generates more electricity than it uses.
Energy bills at the Hart School, a secondary education academy operated by the Creative Education Trust, will fall by up to £11,500 this winter.
A spokesman for Net Zero Buildings, part of the Premier Modular Group, said: “The Hart School is leading Rugeley into a new era by committing to its ‘net zero in operation’ expansion.”
Hart School Principal Rachael Sandham, in the centre of the above picture taken at the official launch, said: “This is an incredibly important development at our school as we continue to grow and further progress on our journey towards being outstanding while also being mindful that we need to do our bit to tackle climate change.”
The Hart School is already home to a cutting edge all-weather leisure dome that’s the only one of its kind to be installed to date at a UK school.
