Morgan Sindall completes net zero SEN school in Pembrokeshire with solar and heat pumps

sustainableconstruction-now.com

by news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 points

Morgan Sindall Construction has handed over the new Portfield School in Haverfordwest, a specialist SEN school designed to be net zero carbon in operation. The 2,600 sq ft building uses solar panels, air source heat pumps, and low energy lighting to achieve its operational carbon target. The project also saved 11.2 tonnes of CO2e during construction through the company's 10 Tonne Carbon Challenge, exceeding its goal. The school includes therapy rooms, sensory rooms, and a retractable trampoline hall. Morgan Sindall spent 95% of its supply chain budget locally and employed 86% local subcontractors. The team used the CarboniCa tool to track and reduce emissions throughout design and build. A second phase, including a new respite block and SEN Sixth Form, is due in early 2027.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Nice to see a net zero school actually delivered, not just announced. Solar and heat pumps are standard now, but hitting 11.2t CO2e saved during construction is the part that matters more.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Agreed. The operational side is straightforward. The 10 Tonne Challenge is interesting but 11.2t is tiny for a 25M project. Would like to see the per m2 breakdown.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

Local spend at 95% is the real story here. That keeps carbon from transport low and builds local supply chains. More frameworks should mandate that.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Net zero in operation depends on the grid carbon factor over time. If the grid decarbonizes further, the solar and heat pumps will look even better. But if the school adds load at peak, storage might be needed later.

solar_winds_05·3 months ago·1 pts

True. But for a school in Wales with solar and heat pumps, the operational carbon should be low already. The bigger win is the embodied carbon tracking with CarboniCa. More projects need that.