England’s largest schools designed and built to Passivhaus standards have been completed in South Gloucestershire, creating new school places for more than 1,300 pupils
BAM UK & Ireland completed the £58.3m Lyde Green primary and secondary Passivhaus schools ahead of their September openings.
Justin Price, construction director at BAM UK & Ireland, said: “The completion of the schools marks a significant achievement for everyone involved. As a Passivhaus school, they demonstrate what can be accomplished when quality, sustainability and collaboration are at the heart of a project.
“The result is an exceptional learning environment that will benefit pupils, staff and the wider community for generations to come. We are proud to have worked alongside South Gloucestershire Council and our project partners to bring this vision to life.”
Passivhaus standards could make the schools more energy efficient
By building to the Passivhaus standard, the schools’ heating needs could be reduced by up to 90%, making them among the most energy-efficient education buildings in England.
The new Passivhaus school buildings use highly insulated construction, triple glazing, all-electric heating, solar panels and specialist ventilation to significantly reduce energy demand while maintaining comfortable temperatures and good air quality throughout the year.
Quality and collaboration shaped the project
South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member with responsibility for schools, Cllr Ian Boulton, stated: “This is such an exciting moment. Long promised and now delivered, these state-of-the-art schools will serve the Lyde Green community for generations.
“Getting this project moving after years of delays was a key priority for this council. It’s just one of many developments for our children and young people that will make a real difference to families in South Gloucestershire.”
Built for learning for generations to come
The 420-place primary school will be run by Castle School Education Trust, while the 900-place secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 16 will be run by Olympus Academy Trust.
Claire Moloney-Banks, interim CEO of Olympus, concluded: “Our team is now looking forward to welcoming our founding learners and families in September and creating a school where young people thrive academically, develop the character and life skills they need for the future, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.
“These exceptional facilities will provide an inspiring environment where every young person can learn, grow and succeed for generations to come.”
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