Reversing climate change begins at school

Kier Sheffield recently held a one-day event to promote the green innovations Kier and partners have developed to make Sharrow School the most environmentally friendly school in Sheffield.

Achieving green innovations in modern day school.

Kier Sheffield recently held a one-day event at Sheffield United football ground, Bramall Lane and at Sharrow School, to promote the green innovations Kier and our partners have developed to make this the most environmentally friendly school in Sheffield.

The new Sharrow School, due for completion in July, claims to be the 'greenest' school in the city.

With its radical bio-diverse roof and ground source heat pump, it's setting the standard for schools of the future.

Kevin Taylor, construction manager for Kier Sheffield says: "The purpose of the event was to introduce our guests to the innovations that our partnership delivers on a daily basis in and around Sheffield.

The knowledge and expertise applied to the project along with the use of innovative features will make the school a modern and incredible place to learn".

Cath Basilio, senior architect for Sheffield design and project management at Sheffield City Council, discussed the learning outcomes for the day, and Mark Peat, head of capacity, planning and development for Sheffield City Council, followed with an explanation on the impact that the new school will have on the local community and on the delivery of new schools across the city.

Mark says: "This innovative project would not have been possible if it hadn't been for the vision and commitment of the partnership.

Over time, I look forward to seeing it add value to the learning experiences of the pupils.

"Following the welcoming talks, our guests were taken on a tour around the school site, to see the eco-friendly innovations".

The guests returned to Bramall Lane for lunch and then participated in afternoon presentations where they got the chance to quiz the brains behind the innovative features.

Nigel Dunnett, director of the Green Roof Centre, University of Sheffield and Phil Moore, director for Eco Heat Pumps discussed the funding, installation, maintenance, payback time and benefits of the bio-diverse roof and ground source heat pump systems.

Kevin Taylor adds: "The event proved to be a great success.

We have received some very positive feedback from our delegates who were impressed by the quality of the design philosophy, the quality of the works and how we shared our information in an open and honest way".

The teachers and pupils of Sharrow School are due to move into their new school building in September 2007.

Previously split between two sites, infant and junior, pupils and staff will all come together in the new building, along with a new nursery facility to offer family support and outreach services to the community.

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