07. Resources
Deploying convincing environmental strategies
Criteria for good school design
Orientation
Has the optimum orientation for different types of spaces been considered?
Does the design of the elevations respond to different orientations?
Ventilation
Does the ventilation strategy provide a comfortable environment in which to learn in all seasons?
Where possible, are spaces naturally ventilated?
Daylighting
Are key spaces daylit for most of the year?
Is there an imaginative use of daylight to create uplifting spaces?
Energy and services strategies
Does the whole design help to minimise energy use and carbon emissions?
Is any on-site energy generation appropriate and meaningful?
Will the design provide an environment with a comfortable temperature for learning throughout the year?
Questions to help you meet the criteria
A successful scheme will feature buildings and spaces that are orientated so that solar gain and glare can be controlled most effectively. It will minimise carbon emissions while offering a comfortable learning environment that is daylit for most of the year.
Our questions to ask about resources can help you meet the assessment criteria.
A good example
This scheme is a refurbishment and extension of an existing building as such the options for the orientation of the extension were limited.
The scheme proposes a considered approach, naturally ventilating the first floor while using a mixed mode system on the ground floor.
The scheme strategy is particularly successful.
Another good example
The elevations respond well to the orientation of the building in this scheme as solar shading is provided to the South- East elevation.
The resources section and services plan illustrated below clearly explain the strategies for ventilation and daylighting to the main learning spaces.
Yet another good example
The panel applauded the good environmental strategy for the site and the incorporation of roof stacks which offer a positive solution for both the ventilation and daylighting in the building’s deep plan.