The innovative app-based platform empowers and supports schools’ sustainability efforts as they put into action their 2025 Climate Action Plan. However, having reached the 2025 deadline many schools are still finalising this as the new year begins.

NZB and Points4Planet are using their partnership to drive change in the education sector by providing the tools for schools to overcome sustainability challenges and remain on the pathway to net zero.

Already helping to improve the sustainability of over 20 schools across the UK, Points4Planet tracks activity using a school’s unique data, enabling staff and students to understand their carbon footprint and implement real change.

In addition to laying the foundation for a net zero strategy, as schools implement sustainable practices such as installing EV charging points, to encouraging pupils to walk to school where possible, students and staff can earn Planet Influencer Points. These in turn can influence real-world projects, funded by partnered organisations, including Greggs and Travis Perkins.

As the first construction partner with this ambitious scheme, NZB is supporting the initiative by providing schools with insight into how to decarbonise their estates. Offering expert advice and support via the app, this partnership will enable schools to make long-term positive changes that will benefit students, staff and wider communities as well as the environment.

Hannah Gains, National Education Manager at Net Zero Buildings, said: “With climate action firmly on the agenda and net zero targets moving ever closer, many schools face a challenging year as they seek to make sustainability a core focus.

“Through our partnership with Points4Planet, alongside our expertise in creating net zero in operation buildings, we want to inspire positive change in the education sector, by showing schools and pupils just how much impact they can make for the environment.”

Featuring a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite, the project included the construction of a new building to help manage the growing demand for SEND places at the school.

Designed by Cassidy + Ashton and built by Conlon Construction, the project was carried out over two phases and represents a significant investment in education and community services for the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Coast areas.

Phase one of the project was funded by government funding for new school places and SEND. The £4.8m new building doubles the school’s capacity to 180 students, reducing the need to use out-of-borough placements.

The new building which connects to the existing school via a covered walkway, includes a specialist teaching room for the delivery of subjects such as science, food technology and life skills.

A £2m phase two created a hydrotherapy suite designed to provide children a sensory-rich experience.

The suite features a deck-access pool, customisable lighting, a projector, fibre optic art ceiling and a specialised hoist.

Designed for dual-purpose use, the therapy pool is also available to community groups outside of school hours and includes features to enable future expansion of an additional storey if needed.

Architect Dominic Read-Garrett, from Cassidy + Ashton, said: “It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to work on the design and delivery of the new facilities at Highfurlong School. By collaborating closely with Conlon Construction on this project, we have been able to create a space that truly supports the needs of the students and staff.

“The new classrooms, café and hydrotherapy pool are designed to provide both an inspiring learning environment and essential resources for therapeutic and recreational activities. We are proud to have contributed to a facility that will enhance the educational experience for students and empower the whole school community.”

Built in 2015, Highfurlong School has been a cornerstone for pupils with a wide range of SEND requirements. The school won the ‘School of the Year’ award, ‘Blackpool Primary School of the Year’ and the ‘Blackpool Inspirational Teacher’ of the year award at the National School Awards in 2021.

Highfurlong School head teacher Jasmine Short said: “Cassidy + Ashton and Conlon Construction have worked as a team on this project to bring our vision to life. The design and quality of the build is outstanding, and the entire process to completion was managed in an extremely professional manner.

“We are also immensely grateful to Blackpool Council for backing this expansion project. The new facilities at the school have transformed our ability to support the local demand for SEND places. We can now offer places to a larger number of pupils and the community-focused areas enable us to provide an innovative preparation-for-adulthood programme.”

Conlon Construction commercial director Darren Lee added: “It is a tremendous pleasure to deliver the newly renovated Highfurlong School, now a state-of-the-art educational facility ready to be enjoyed, to its enthusiastic community of pupils, teachers and parents. Helping to addresses critical gaps in the urgent demand for SEND education solutions, a challenge currently affecting children on a national scale, Highfurlong School features outstanding specialist amenities designed to foster learning and exploration, all within a modern and inspiring environment.

“Building on our proven experience in delivering SEND schools, this project highlights Conlon Construction’s strong track record in the education sector – from early years settings to universities – across the region. It also reflects our unique approach to SEND projects, demonstrating a deep understanding of the specific needs and requirements of schools designed for young people with additional needs.”

Jasmine added: “Our vision was always to extend beyond the school itself; as we aim to create a hub for the wider community. This includes welcoming former pupils and families and providing a space for socialising and collaboration. The hydrotherapy pool is an outstanding addition. With two pools now available at the school, we can significantly expand access to hydrotherapy for both pupils and the local community.”

Developed following an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) undertaken to get a detailed assessment of the University’s energy performance, the strategy sets out a road map to reduce carbon emissions across its Canterbury and Medway campuses – home to over 19,000 students.

The first major step towards the reduction of energy consumption on campus will see the installation of LED lighting in all buildings and upgrades to all building management system controllers, as well as space optimisation and an updated metering system to maximise energy use across the estate.

The plan also outlines an ambition to install an 0.74 MW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array, which will generate more than 675,000kWh electricity each year. All of the zero-carbon energy generated on site will be consumed across the University’s campuses.

In 2021 the UoK agreed on an ambitious yet achievable target of reducing scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040 and scope 3 emissions to net zero by 2050. The University’s aim is to decrease emissions by at least 50 percent by 2030, compared to the baseline years of 2018 and 2019.

“With buildings being responsible for around 40 percent of global energy consumption, one of today’s greatest challenges for the higher education sector is to ensure the decarbonisation of its campuses. Partnerships, such as the one with the University of Kent, are a prime example of how to achieve net zero targets by having a decarbonisation strategy in place. This also supports customers to reduce costs, enhance energy demand management, while digital solutions bring existing infrastructure up to speed with the latest tech,” said Faye Bowser, Vice President Higher Education Vertical at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “I look forward to the continuous cooperation with the University of Kent.”

“Our partnership with Siemens is central to our commitment to embed carbon reduction across our operations and place sustainability at the heart of our decision making. We have unique strengths as a university in tackling climate change and are determined to bring together the talent and endeavour of staff, students and the wider community to make a tangible impact. This includes developing an estate which is fit for the future, embracing modern technology and external partnerships where they can act as a catalyst to delivering our mission,” Georgina Randsley de Moura, Acting Vice Chancellor at the University of Kent added.

Funding for the scheme will be provided by Siemens Financial Services through a flexible financing package, allowing UoK to begin repayment only once the upgrades to the estate have been delivered.

During the 2023/4 period, the company has successfully supported nearly 5,700 students across the country through the provision of 22,500m2 of temporary classroom space. This is the equivalent to the size of over 80 tennis courts across 20 schools, ranging from primary up to university, for up to three years.

Premier Modular has played a central role in helping schools and educational estates achieve their building improvement goals in line with the School Rebuilding Programme and in response to growing student intake numbers.

Over the last academic year, the company provided over 120 standard classrooms and 70 specialist classrooms (a total of 1,300 modules), in addition to libraries and high specification SEND classrooms.

Each project was delivered in a matter of weeks, and the temporary classrooms ensured high quality environments that minimised disruption to student learning. With major works undertaken across estates, the rental buildings ensured that construction work didn’t disrupt day-to-day learning, improved safety outcomes and allowed the long-term works to continue uninterrupted.

Modular classrooms also play a crucial role in assisting schools to meet government-mandated sustainability goals. Able to be re-used and repurposed once their initial use is complete, the buildings create a circular economy that minimises the embodied carbon of the education sector as a whole.

Mark Rooney, Rental Divisional Director, Premier Modular, said: “We’re extremely proud to have contributed to the learning experience of thousands of students over the last year. Our record achievement for the number of hire buildings to the education sector reflects a commitment to supporting the upcoming generation with adaptable learning spaces when they’re needed most, whilst ensuring that schools are on track to reach sustainability targets by creating a circular economy.”

The business, which moved into larger premises and marked its 10th anniversary last year, has brought in fire, equipment, lab, asbestos and business development professionals taking its multi-disciplinary team to 56.

Management Board Director Andy Walker joins to support the company’s strategic growth, Business Development Manager Jason Smith has been appointed to boost client support and new business streams, Irene Tom joins as Assistant Laboratory Manager, Darren Tubb as Senior Consultant (Fire), Kristian Bailey joins as Senior Asbestos and Framework Manager and Alex Robinson joins as a Trainee Analyst Surveyor.

The new appointments bring a further eight decades of compliance expertise into the business, which has a portfolio of more than 150 clients in sectors including education, healthcare, retail, construction and industrial.

Inspectas Director and co-founder Matthew Fahy said: “We are experiencing a rapid period of growth thanks to a series of new contracts in education, specialist housing, local government and the energy sector.

“Legislative requirements for building compliance is non-negotiable but can be a minefield for businesses to navigate. Many organisations are looking for external expertise and as our client base increases, we are investing in the very best practitioners to help deliver our specialist services and provide advice, guidance and a safe pair of hands from fire risk assessments to asbestos management.”

He added: “We’re delighted to welcome Andy, Jason, Irene, Darren, Kristian and Alex into the Inspectas family. It’s fantastic to provide opportunities for new starters in our industry while also attracting seasoned professionals who bring the technical knowledge to strengthen our offering even more. We’re looking forward to sharing best practice and growing the business together.”

Inspectas specialises in making and keeping properties safe. It was formed in 2013 by asbestos management professionals Craig Candlish and Matthew Fahy who combined their decades of expertise to launch a compliance business which covers all major occupational management specialisms including asbestos management and removal, health and safety, CDM and fire safety.

Delivered on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council, Prestley Wood Academy now has the capabilities to cater for 150 pupils aged between 4-19 years. The school will form part of the Alconbury Weald Education Campus that will see the addition of a new Secondary School in future phases.

Working in collaboration with Cambridgeshire County Council and Horizons Education Trust to complete extensive engagement, Prestley Wood now boasts some of the best SEND facilities in the region. This includes two sensory rooms, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, trampoline room, soft play and much more.

Improvements have been made to the outside areas too with improved soft landscaping, including the introduction of new outside play and gym equipment, a MUGA pitch, and 120 new trees and wildflowers planted.

Aligned with Cambridgeshire County Council’s plans to be Net Zero by 2045, Prestley Wood has been built with sustainability in mind. 200 photovoltaic panels have been installed, as well as an energy efficient air source heat pump system.

The sustainable nature and landscape design of the school will support the curriculum to provide a range of initiatives including residential and educational visits, forest school learning, specialist art-creativity, and sport and fitness.

Prestley Wood Academy will be run as its own school but with strong links to Huntingdon’s nearby Spring Common Academy Trust, which is part of the same Horizons Education Trust.

Jamie Shearman, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Cambridgeshire, said: “Prestley Wood Academy sets a new standard for SEND schools in Cambridgeshire. We are delighted that we have had the opportunity to work with a great local supply chain and team, alongside Cambridgeshire County Council and Horizons Education Trust, to deliver this great project.

“At Morgan Sindall, we believe great learning environments inspire children’s education and progress and feel that Prestley Wood will give the next generation the best start in life.”

Caroline Place, Head Teacher at Alconbury Weald said: “Horizons Trust has worked closely with Morgan Sindall over a number of years to create an inspirational and sustainable build design, which will serve future generations of learners. Throughout the process, Morgan Sindall have listened and expertly acted upon the specialist SEND guidance in a consistent timely manner to ensure the environment is safe and provides an accessible and joyful experience for our very special group of young people.

“The open atmosphere of collaboration and creativity between a range of knowledgeable and approachable professionals has been incredible, and ably facilitated by the expert Morgan Sindall team. The whole Prestley Wood community cannot thank Morgan Sindall enough.

“The new building is a wonderful environment for learning and growth and a fantastic flagship school for our community. We look forward to welcoming our students to Prestley Wood Academy at the start of the autumn term in September 2024.”

Rebecca Britton, from the Alconbury Weald’s master developer, Urban&Civic, added: “We’re so pleased Prestley Wood Academy is open, and that the development at Alconbury Weald has been able to provide such an inspiring and supportive space for learning for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities across the local area.

“It has been a fantastic experience working with the passion and commitment of the Horizons Education Trust team, and I know our residents and businesses have already given the brilliant team here a warm welcome and we look forward to welcoming students in the coming months and years. This school marks the start of our Education Campus and sets a high bar with its welcoming and sustainable building, and high aspirations for the students and their families. We look forward to continued partnership with the school and its students.”

Despite ever-increasing workloads within the sector, new research from workplace safety experts Altro has found that 81% of education workers in the UK say that the time they spend on their feet at work has a positive effect on their mental health –  the most of any industry surveyed.

This figure comes as part of a new piece of research from Altro which saw them survey workers across various non-desk-based industries to see where people were spending the most time on their feet at work, as well as the physical effects manual work takes on these workers.

The new research also reveals that education workers are more than two and a half times (2.73) more active at work than the average Brit, with an average of 9,559 steps in a single shift – compared to the average person’s 3,500 (3,000-4,000 is the average in the UK according to previous NHS figures).

Over the course of a career, education workers clock up roughly 90,717,947 steps on their working days – or around 40,634 miles. That’s enough to take a casual stroll down the full length of the world’s longest river, the River Nile in Egypt – nearly TEN times.

When it comes to the mental health affects the length of time spent on their feet during their shift, interestingly, nearly 4 in 5 (79%) education workers say they think it has a positive effect.

Despite the majority of education workers reporting the time spent on their feet at work has a positive effect on their mental health, Altro’s research uncovered a common theme with those in the education sector missing out on exercise, social events and even consulting medical advice as a result of their physical jobs. Full details below:

What are the knock-on effects of having a physical job?

It’s always important to ensure a solid work-life balance, but Altro’s research found that more than half (53%) of education workers say they regularly skip out on recreational activities such as hobbies or meeting up with friends as a result of being tired from work. Another 44% of education workers told Altro that they regularly leave social events early because of this.

While most education workers think that their physical activity at work has a positive effect on their mental wellbeing, there were some clear physical wellbeing issues:

• More than 4 in 5 (82%) say that they don’t drink as much water as they should when at work – the most of any industry.

• However, 58% of education workers say they drink caffeinated drinks to ‘keep them going’ at work.

• 45% say they often skip meals at work because they’re too busy with other work tasks.

• More than half (55%) say they also regularly skip out on exercise because they’re tired from work.

Physical health is important, and Altro’s study found that many education workers reported experiencing some negative physical aches and pains as a result of their job, with nearly 1 in 5 (18%) taking time off work due to work related pains or injuries. What’s more:

• Almost two-thirds (65%) say they rarely get the chance to sit down during their shifts.

• Almost half (48%) say they experience frequent back pain as a result of their job.

• More than a third (36%) say they have frequent foot pain.

• 1 in 8 (12%) say they have slipped or tripped while working.

Which industries are spending the most time on their feet – and how does this compare to the average person?

We’ve all heard of the 10,000 steps a day rule, but previous NHS figures show that the average person in the UK only walks between 3,000-4,000 steps per day.

Sarah de los Rios, Sales and Marketing Director at Altro, comments: “Our study found that while education workers in the UK recognise the positive effects movement at work can have on their mental well-being, there is a concerning number of workers experiencing physical strain because of the nature of their role.

“Movement at work often can’t be helped, but physical strain can, and employers have a duty to equip their employees with safe environments to mitigate any potential accidents. Employers can do this by implementing safety technology or features to provide peace of mind for their workers.

“At Altro, our team is dedicated to doing just that with our safety flooring solutions ensuring the chances of workers slipping or tripping are reduced to literally one in a million.”

Bowman Academy, which is situated on the former site of St Botolph’s Primary School, located to the east of Shepshed on Loughborough Road, will see pupils benefit from a range of facilities to suit their needs. This includes classroom suites with vinyl areas to support practical learning, a sensory “dark room”, practical teaching spaces including a domestic kitchen, a library, a calming room, and a main hall with a demountable stage.

The new build SEND school, which has been designed sympathetically to the needs of SEMH learning, has space for 64 pupils, with facilities for 16 primary-aged children across two ground floor classrooms, with the remaining 48 secondary-aged pupils split across two ground floor classrooms, and a further four on the first floor. The first floor also has an additional three classrooms for practical uses.

Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard was behind the scheme, providing architectural services for main contractor Bowmer + Kirkland, which was procured by the Department for Education (DfE) under the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC1) framework.

Joe West, associate at Pick Everard, said: “Working on SEND schools is always a privilege, with unique design applications and special consideration for the needs of a diverse range of learning.

“Creating an environment that is both functional and comfortable for pupils was central to the aims of the project, which should in turn aid the school in attracting and retaining students in the area.

“The construction technique employed on this project was a fully offsite solution, so thorough sequencing and planning was paramount to ensure all materials were delivered safely and successfully, as well as meeting the highest standards.

“We’re delighted to have worked alongside Bowmer + Kirkland once again to deliver this fantastic academy for pupils in the area with SEMH needs.”

Driving sustainability initiatives, Bowman Academy’s design includes a ‘fabric-first’ approach, which reduces the energy requirements of the building through measures including high levels of insulation, heat recovery and air tightness.

High efficiency boilers have been installed at the school, which will be run by the Community Inclusive Trust (CIT), as well as LED lighting with occupancy and daylight controls for resource management. The building also has glare control and sustainable natural ventilation, providing a low energy cost solution.

Additionally, the site includes a photovoltaic panel array, providing a ten per cent energy consumption offset from renewable technology.

Steve Waldron, contracts manager at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “We have been working for the DfE since 2013 and are proud of the 73 schools we have completed, but specialist schools are unique in the enormous difference they make to the pupils and their families. We are delighted to continue our relationship with Pick Everard to deliver another fantastic facility which will improve the lives of so many young people.”

Cllr Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for Children and Families at Leicestershire County Council, said: “It is exciting to see the school completed and we’re looking forward to it opening and welcoming new pupils.

“The building of Bowman Academy part of a wider program to ensure provision is available to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Leicestershire, as close to their homes as possible.

“This includes both the building of special schools and creating provision in mainstream schools.”

James Ellis, CIT’s director of SEND education, said, “This is a very exciting time for Bowman Academy. SEMH is a unique sector of education requiring distinctive building design to support the delivery of specialist teaching and care for pupils.

“We look forward to welcoming children in Shepshed and the surrounding area to our new setting and supporting them to develop the knowledge and skills they need to help them thrive in adult life.”

With over 1.6 million pupils in England now registered as having special educational needs (SEN)[1], the much-needed additional spaces made available via Discovery Special Academy will support pupils’ educational, therapeutic and medical needs in the Teesside area.

Currently, students are placed in temporary accommodation on the site of one of Discovery’s sister academies, and this new provision designed and delivered by Portakabin will allow all students, carers and teaching staff of Discovery Special Academy primary and new additional secondary school to be located on one site.

Comprising eight dedicated SEND teaching classrooms and shared teaching spaces, the new academy building will also feature a music and drama room, art classrooms and food tech rooms, as well as a hall and an area for sensory integration therapy.

Jennifer Duncan, Executive Head Teacher, Discovery Special Academy and SEND comments: “When we started this project with Portakabin, we were entering into a new world of construction and learning about MMC. We needed a company who could design and deliver a bespoke, high-quality building to serve the academic and therapeutic needs of our growing academy community in a tight timescale.

“And I am delighted that we found Portakabin.

“The level of care, quality and professionalism throughout has ensured that together, we are on track to deliver this complex project on time. It is a privilege to have been part of such a dedicated team who listened, and who understood the needs of the clients. Students will thrive in this new environment and staff will be able to continue to deliver excellence of provision for years to come.

“It will also continue to benefit the wider community, breaking down barriers and supporting the vision for a truly inclusive Tees Valley. We are incredibly excited about taking ownership of the building in a few weeks and I know the students will love every aspect of this innovative and collaborative design.”

Thanks to the entire school building being manufactured using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), the custom designed modules were precision built by Portakabin at its manufacturing facility in York and successfully transported in convoy and installed in Middlesbrough in June.

Over a five-day period, 30 modules were craned seamlessly into place, much to the delight of the current primary school students, who watched avidly from their classroom windows each day!

Jamie Blogg, Contract Sales Manager at Portakabin comments: “It’s essential to us at Portakabin that we create a school that is not only attractive, but more importantly provides a flexible and safe environment that is welcoming not only to its pupils and staff, but also to parents, carers and the wider Teesside community.

“It’s brilliant that the team here at Portakabin can be part of the Academy’s growth journey and we can’t wait to welcome the students and teachers to their new learning space later this year.”

Discovery Special Academy will also have new car parking provisions for visitors and staff, alongside multiple mini-bus bays and a dedicated ambulance bay. The single-storey modular building will be surrounded by an external courtyard and landscaped playing field and will link to the current primary school with a covered walkway.