World Green Building Week

This week, from 21^st to 27^th September, is the 7^th annual World Green Building Week. Organised by the World Green Building Council, the aim of the campaign is to create an engaging and connected public conversation about the role buildings play in our sustainable future. 

At the moment, buildings consume a third of the world’s energy and are responsible for a fifth of global emissions.  These figures could double or triple by 2050. Green buildings are powering positive change: slashing energy use and emissions, saving water and waste to landfill, and providing healthier places for people to live, work and be educated. All of which are core to the Learning Escape’s philosophy.

By using the very latest environmentally friendly materials, methods and technologies we design and create sustainable eco-classrooms that provide stimulating and healthy learning spaces which facilitate teaching across the curriculum, whilst naturally stimulating students’ interest in the environment.

Standard features of all our buildings include foundations designed to reduce the impact on the environment, by using a minimal amount of concrete in a unique pad based or screw pile system. The timber we use comes from sustainable forests which are ethically managed to avoid compromising the needs of future generations. The glass wool insulation used in our buildings is manufactured from a combination of silica sand and up to 80% recycled glass that would otherwise be destined for landfill. We use toughened E glass which is double glazed and specially coated to reduce heat emissions. Our acoustic ceiling boards use active air technology so, not only do our classrooms have great sound dynamics, but they also provide a clean, healthy indoor space.

Our floor to ceiling windows and glass doors bathe the students in brilliant, natural light which can be further boosted by the inclusion of sun pipes. These highly reflective tubes capture daylight from the rooftop and deliver it where it is needed thus reducing the need for artificial lighting. Additional eco options available include sedum roofs which are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also serve to reduce water runoff and lower energy consumption. We can also incorporate wind and solar power into our builds as a clean, renewable source of energy.

Our intelligent, site specific design combined with high insulation values and energy saving technologies ensure a highly rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) now required on all new builds. Two of our most recent projects have just been awarded an A rating.

Each of our classrooms maximise the penetration of natural light into the learning environment which has a proven positive effect on the ability to learn and upon behaviour. Pupils are able to make a vital connection with the natural surroundings of their school which naturally stimulates conversation about the importance of taking care of the beautiful world in which they live. Their interest in the “great outdoors” is rejuvenated through easy access to outdoor learning, and their desire to explore their environment is fuelled. The concepts of environmental citizenship and environmentalism naturally become a crucial element of the curriculum.

We passionately believe that today’s generation of school children are tomorrow’s ambassadors for the change necessary to tackle the environmental challenges facing us all. We need to teach them in buildings that serve to allow them to fulfil their potential and that nurture their desire to create a sustainable future.