ZERO CARBON

ENGLAND – The Government’s Zero Carbon Task Force for schools has recently launched a major call for evidence consultation.

Ministers announced last December a long-term ambition for all new school buildings in England to produce no carbon emissions at all from their day-to-day use by 2016.

And earlier this year, he appointed an expert task force, chaired by well-respected architect Robin Nicholson, to develop a clear roadmap to achieve the aim.

The recent consultation focuses on four key areas and the opportunities they present for teaching and learning: reducing energy use in schools; sharing energy supplies; designing low energy buildings and exploring potential technologies.

Robin Nicholson, chairperson of the task force, said “The Task Force has now identified the key issues to be addressed if we are to make progress towards zero carbon school buildings.

“We want to know the views of the major players in the school, construction, design and sustainability communities – whether we have identified the right issues; whether those responsible for taking action will have access to the information they need; what the barriers are to making progress; and what can be done to stimulate action.

“We plan to provide an initial report to the Government by the end of the year. Our findings will also feed into the further work to develop a roadmap to zero carbon."