CABE's new design standards for Building Schools for the Future

We welcome the introduction of CABE’s new design standards for Building Schools for the Future (BSF) schemes and the inclusion of clear targets to ensure sustainability is a core element of any new build, (Tough new design standards for BSF schools launched, 13th May). By developing definitive criteria against which all designers must deliver, CABE has responded decisively to a need for stronger sustainability requirements that has been gaining momentum amongst construction clients.

Across the sector the benefits to sustainability through waste reduction and carbon efficiency are gaining increasing resonance. There are now over 100 public and private sector organisations committed to the construction sector target of halving waste to landfill by 2012 with all elements of the construction supply chain represented. Designers have a key role to play in reducing waste but are currently underrepresented in the commitment.  CABE’s new standards should help to ensure that prioritising materials resource efficiency (MRE) and the carbon agenda becomes less of an exemplary outcome for designers and more of a ‘must do.’

WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) has supported Partnerships for Schools by including minimum requirements for recycled content and guidance for good practice waste minimisation and management within their standard output specification. We have also worked directly with a number of clients across the BSF programme to set sustainability requirements so we know that a strong desire for good environmental performance already exists. The input of designers is critical at the outset of a project to ensure that clients’ sustainable aspirations are embedded all the way down the supply chain, and having to meet a minimum standard for all school designs will help to ensure this opportunity is fulfilled. 

At WRAP we are keen to support design teams in practically delivering more resource efficient design. After extensive engagement with the sector we are soon to launch a comprehensive guide to designing out waste, which, together with our Net Waste Tool and other WRAP guidance, will assist architects in meeting CABE’s Minimum Design Standards.

The clear pass or fail hurdle for Building Schools for the Future schemes could be just the incentive that design teams need to give greater consideration to resource efficient designs as a matter of course. We look forward to seeing the results!

Jim Wiltshire, Construction Programme Manager, WRAP

• Filed under: BSF, sustainability, CABE, Building Schools for the Future