Date: 17 July 2006
Venue: London
Speakers: Roderic Bunn, BSRIA; Jonathan Ibikunle, Partnerships for Schools and Richard Daniels, DfES; Iain Paul, Worcestershire County Council; Nick Stenton, Stenton Obhi Architects; Jon Reed, Atkins

Description: The government is making massive investment in education under the Building Schools for the Future programme. But procuring buildings is a complex process for often inexperienced clients, who as well as achieving sustainability aspirations, need to create an inspirational learning environment and make the most of their funding. This opportunity to implement the highest standards, along with good design, can improve pupil achievement and staff morale as well as teaching pupils and the wider community about sustainable development- by seeing it in action.

Key design guidance and other policy from DfES (including the new Sustainable Schools consultation) encourages a commitment to initial investment in good quality sustainable design, in order to reduce energy use and running costs, ease maintenance and be an investment for the future. This workshop provided an introduction to the schools programme, put the issues into context for clients and showed construction professionals how to turn design aspirations into successful projects. Case studies described best practice for issues such as energy, water and the social dimension of sustainability.

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