Ongoing project to expand, merge & decarbonise two existing school sites.
The Orchards is a project consisting of The Orchards Nursery on the lower site, and Cherry Tree Primary School and Green Fold Special School on the upper site, in Farnworth, Bolton.
Green Fold supports pupils with autism, SLD, and PMLD. On completion, the lower site will become a dedicated ASD unit, consolidating provision currently split with Cherry Tree. The EYFS unit will move to the upper site.
To meet rising demand for pupil places from Bolton Council, the Orchards Federation agreed to expand the sites, with a parallel focus on decarbonising the school buildings.
Works so far
It was key to ensure the planning adhered to our Sustainable Procurement Policy, and we created a specific sustainable procurement plan for this project.
Our main aims were to:
- Reduce energy consumption during the construction of the project
- Reduce impact on the environment from construction activities
- Reduce waste and encourage the re-use & recycling of materials
- Promote the use of sustainable materials and systems
- Aid and support the local community during the construction works.
Upper Site
The Upper Site requires an extension to accommodate additional classrooms, including minor remodelling in existing areas and external works.
LED upgrades across 3,835 m2 will lower power use by 15 kW, saving 6.21 TCO2. Controls like occupancy sensors and daylight dimming will add a further 1.28 TCO2 saving, equalling 7.49 TCO2 saved from lighting improvements.
The existing school had 78No PV panels, which were not operational. When recommissioned they will save 3.99 TCO. Adding 70 new panels will save another 4.78 TCO2, totalling 8.77 TCO2 saved from using solar power.
Compared to a 95% efficient gas boiler, new heat pumps will require just 50.5 MWh of electricity, saving 28.43 TCO2.
Air conditioning and a heat pump will replace boilers and radiators. Using 15 kW of heating totals 11 MWh and 2.35 TCO2 via a boiler. A heat pump with a 3.5 SCOP uses only 3.15 MWh, emitting 0.65 TCO2, saving 1.7 TCO2.
The building envelope is also designed efficiently, with underfloor heating throughout, and improved heat retention in the building with insulation, meaning a reduction in energy loss.
Lower Site
The Lower Site requires an extension to accommodate additional classrooms, a new MUGA pitch, and internal remodelling/refurbishment.
1700m2 of LED upgrades will save 17MWh and 3.5 TCO2. The renovated school will add 16kW heat pump capacity, displacing 19.2 MWh and saving 4.09 TCO2. A replacement boiler at 95% efficiency will further result in a saving of 4.7 TCO2.
Innovative Products
Redi-Rock was chosen for the Orchards upper site to avoid delays from typical poured concrete and brick retaining walls, easing programme delivery.
Redi-Rock is made of stackable ‘Lego’-style precast blocks.
It offers sustainable procurement, being UK-made with lower embodied carbon versus traditional concrete (as it uses recycled material as a cementitious alternative). It also reduces the operational waste of formwork, water, labour, weather risks, and delays tied to traditional concrete pours.
Decarbonisation
BREEAM was adhered to for materials selection at design team level before it went to supply chain, and the project is on track to comfortably achieve BREEAM Very Good.
At the upper site, the LED lighting, ASHP and PV installations will achieve more than 4 Ene01 Reduction of Energy Use and Carbon Emissions credits, giving the project ‘exemplary credit’.
The project scored a perfect 15/15, “Excellent,” for ‘Care for the Environment’ in the Considerate Constructors Scheme, highlighting its strong environmental focus and impressive Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan.
“Environmentally excellent consideration has been shown in the design period caring for the environment, this has extended into the potential landscaping and target of 10% BNG. The corporate Carbon Reduction Plan is an impressive document outlining the stages along the roadmap to Net Zero.”
For every tree removed, two more were planted for Biodiversity Net Gain. Waste Targets vs Actual are displayed on noticeboards for both the school and residents, inviting everyone to engage and participate actively in our shared sustainability goals.
Redi Rock Retaining Wall
Redi Rock is made up of 25% recycled materials