Essex pupils welcomed into new net zero school

Essex County Council has opened a new net zero building, Limebrook Primary School, and pupils are settling in for the new term.

The project was granted through the Essex County Council framework as part of the South Maldon Garden Suburb development – a site that boasts planning permission to deliver up to 1,000 homes, as well as retail space, green spaces and allotments, and sports and playing fields. 

The building consists of 13 classrooms, a practical room, a studio, and an SEN room, accommodating 420 children in total, with the addition of a new nursery with capacity of 56 places for zero to four year-olds.
 
Pupils can also enjoy a large sports field, multi-use, hard-court games area, a habitat area, and wildflower meadows on-site, while parents will benefit from a car park with electric vehicle chargers.
 
Limebrook Primary School is set to deliver net-zero in operation by utilising Photovoltaic (PV) panels and air-source heat pumps which streamline energy efficiency, while the implemented mechanical and natural ventilation strategy and airtightness of the building retain a comfortable temperature for students and staff.
 
Through use of the data-driven tool CarboniCa, Morgan Sindall reduced carbon emissions by over 90 per cent, utilising responsibly sourced, palm-oil-free HVO during the development work instead of diesel. The project saved 290.4 tonnes of CO2, which is the equivalent of heating over 107 UK homes for a whole year.
 
Throughout the school’s construction, the project team engaged with the local community in Maldon to deliver social value where it is most needed. This included employment of local scaffolding, brick-laying, and roofing contractors to bring the project to life.
 
Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council cabinet member for education excellence, lifelong learning, and employability, said: “This is an exciting moment for the council and the local community. 

"The new school provides much needed school places in the area following an increase in new homes and the focus on net-zero is reflective of the council’s commitment to tackling climate change in Essex through sustainable construction. I can’t wait to hear how pupils are enjoying their new school.”