Feedback on key topics from the ISBA Conference 2024
Estate Decarbonisation Plans Approach
The Challenge to Schools
The climate emergency is well and truly upon us and for Independent schools it can feel like a daunting challenge as to how to approach the de-carbonisation of your estates.
The challenge is how to do this affordable and efficiently whilst continuing to provide a high quality education for your pupils.
The import thing is to understand that it is definitely possible to get to net zero carbon but that to get there requires careful planning and an appreciation that it wont happen over night.
It is vital to look at the whole estate to ensure projects are well planned, to avoid costly mistakes, dead ends and to ensure all opportunities are maximised.
The solution
By reviewing your whole estate these opportunities can be identified and then through careful planning projects can be programmed to fit within annual budgets, ongoing maintenance programmes and major capital projects.
This initial review will establish a base line from which the school can plan, collating data on the buildings, their energy performance and their building fabric. From this a realistic plan can be formulated that provides the technical solution on how to achieve a net zero estate for the school.
Reduction due to retrofit Reduction due to retrofit Reduction due to retrofit 2022 2030 2040 2050 Emissions YYMWh Gas Scope 1 YYMWh Gas Scope 1 YYMWh Gas Scope 1 0MWh Gas XXMWh Electricity Scope 2 XXMWh Electricity Scope 2 XXMWh Electricity Scope 2 + new electric + new electric + new electric XXMWh Electricity Midway point UK legislative Commitment to Net Zero ZZMWh GSHP capacity (1 Minimise embodied carbon (meet RIBA 2030 targets) + - = 2) Minimise operational energy (meet RIBA 2030 targets) & Maximise on site renewables & Reduce water use (meet RIBA 2030 targets) 3 Only then, consider offsets 0 Whole life Net Zero Demand Reduction Use less energy and reeduce wastage Turn things off / down Themal Insulation Optimise size, shapre and use of space Improve energy efficiency Upgrade systems adn equipment refurbish spaces, windows, heating and lighting Low/ zero carbon energy generation Large scale solar PV, wind turbines Move from gas to electric pumps Offsetting
Net zero strategy developed for Christ’s College Cambridge
Estate Decarbonisation Plans
Key experience
Wellington College Berkshire
With over 65 buildings on the estate as part of the overall decarbonisation strategy we surveyed each one to determine the area’s, fabric type and heating and hot water systems. With this data we were able to calculate the energy used and the implication of upgrading the building elements and changing exiting gas and oil-fired boilers to heat pump driven systems.
Lincoln’s Inn London
MICA have prepared a masterplan for the Inn’s estate which identified opportunities to refurbish, extend, or create new buildings to address a variety of the Inns future needs including office space, education and catering facilities, library space, and residential premises. It offered an opportunity to holistically review allocation of space and comprehensive environmental improvements.
Christ’s College Cambridge
MICA were appointed by Christ’s College to review and prepare a long-term strategy for the College’s Domus site, in an exercise known as “Mapping Christ’s Future”. The strategy ensures that carefully planned interventions in existing buildings and potential new development align to a cohesive vision that provides a pathway towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2038, provides universal access for people of all abilities, and enhances spatial efficiencies across the College.
ChanceryLane Old Hall New Square Great Hall and East Terrace Library Extension North Gardens Lincoln’s Inn Fields HighHolborn Old Buildings Stone Buildings
International Schools Approach
Over the last few years it has become clear that the establishment of international schools affiliated to the great independent schools of the UK is a growing market that can benefit both the school and the wider economy of the country.
The biggest growth area has been in Asia but it is clear that other areas of the world are keen to establish strong links with UK schools.
International schools are a growth market and one that can dramatically re-inforce a schools brand and build on your education management and quality procedures. There are obviously a variety of business models under which such schools can be established but the introduction of an established and well regarded brand in an emerging market cannot be underestimated.
The Opportunities
Recently we have been working with Wellington College, on a number of opportunities for such international schools, the first of which is already operational.
This has allowed us to provide exceptional facilities in a purpose built building that builds on the heritage of the UK facilities whilst responding sensitively to the local environment and cultures.
It is helping to deliver a strong integrated relationship that is thriving and providing a new standard of education to the region.
College Independent School with strong international perpective Engaging proactively and meaningfully across education estates 2% 58% Asia Europe Americas Africa Oceania 11% Global Markets by region 15% 14%
Wellington
International Schools
Key experience
Wellington College International Pune, India
Constructed as the first phase of the major new education campus for Wellington College International, the kindergarten and primary school building provides teaching, space for 180 pre-primary and early years pupils, and 300 places for primary school students. The building is designed to accommodate flexibility for future changes to the teaching spaces. The classrooms are built on a standard grid and the internal walls can be adapted and opened without significant changes being required to the overall building.
Other
In addition to the two schools mentioned above MICA have undertaken feasibility studies for a number of similar schools including in Japan, Singapore, Nigeria and the Middle East
Alongside the architectural design work we have been developing a comprehensive design guide for international schools that allows the character and ethos of the host school to be channelled into the these new international teaching environments.
Wellington College International Busan, South Korea
MICA have been commissioned to design a new 2200 pupil co-educational all years through school (day and boarding) for Wellington College International in Busan, South Korea. Located on newly urbanising terrain, on field plains between the sea and the mountains beyond, and split across two separate sites divided by a road, the project needs to be phased. It is therefore important to develop a strong and unified sense of place and identity across both sites, so that they work as one on completion.
Light Brick & Stone
Live projects at Independent Schools
Victoria and Raglan Boarding, Wellington College
Hidden from the historic south front the Old Laundry site offers a unique experience for the College in providing new boarding and day facilities. Sensitively integrated into the woodland setting that enhance connections across the College. Scheduled to open in September 2024.
Sixth Form Centre, Wellington College
World-leading co-ed facilities for 16-18 year olds. A new building fproviding places to relax, work, receive support and plan for life beyond College all in one place. Co-locates café, informal and formal study spaces, seminar rooms plus ‘drop in’ tutor spaces. Scheduled to open in September 2024.
Music School, Dragon School
A high performance music practice and performance facility at the heart of this historic prep school. Twenty five practice rooms, rehersal spaces, specialist classromms, a recording suite and a 100 seat recital hall. Scheduled to open in September 2024.
Expertise in delivery of education buildings in sensitive settings which create inspiring and uplifting environments for living and learning.
micaarchitects.com