How net zero facilities impact student performance
Educational budgets continue to be constrained, with educators caught between wanting to do the best they can for their students and operating with ever-tighter budgets. As innovative solutions are sought to address this dilemma, an obvious solution is targeting net zero.
What is net zero?
This is defined as the point at which a building only consumes as much energy as it generates. Not only do net zero buildings cost less to run but also they produce next to no carbon emissions, fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for staff and students alike. The savings can be reinvested into the school, meeting the needs of children and staff and relaxing strained budgets.
How can schools become net zero?
There are several ways in which schools can upgrade their facilities to become net zero. Although all require up-front financial investment, grants are often available to subsidise these costs The long-term savings achievable often balance out the cost of the investment over time.
An education architect such as www.quattrodesign.co.uk/sectors/school-education-architects/ can help schools to determine which energy efficiency measures will deliver the greatest benefits for the lowest costs. These often include installing additional insulation and switching to motion-activated LED lights.
What are the other benefits of net zero facilities?
Though many schools pursue net zero for the cost savings it affords, there are also significant educational and welfare benefits to doing so. Well-insulated facilities improve student and teacher satisfaction, while the greater availability of natural light has been proven to enrich student performance in core areas such as reading, mathematics, and science.
Additionally, giving students greater access to green space can enhance their well-being and improve their behaviour, enabling them to return to indoor areas with a greater attention span and an increased appetite for learning. Where outdoor space is not available, bringing plants indoors has a similar effect.
In conclusion, schools should consider the dual benefits of pursuing net zero. Not only can the money saved be reinvested into supporting and educating children but also the children will benefit from a cleaner, healthier environment that promotes innovation and learning.