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walls, triple-glazed windows, and MVHR system maintain consistent temperatures and air quality, creating an environment where students thrive. The school’s energy bills are a fraction of comparable institutions, freeing funds for educational resources. While Passivhaus builds are costly upfront, their long- term savings make them a model for future schools.


Retrofitting existing buildings, however, is where most UK schools must focus, given that 60% of school buildings predate 1976 and lack modern insulation or ventilation. Low-budget solutions can make a difference. For ventilation, schools can install demand- controlled ventilation systems, which adjust airflow based on occupancy, reducing energy waste. A primary school in Leeds trialled this in 2024, cutting ventilation energy use by 15% while maintaining air quality. For insulation, options like external wall insulation (EWI) can be applied to older buildings without disrupting classes. A school in Bristol used EWI to clad its 1950s block, improving thermal performance and giving the facade a modern look.


Inclusivity is another key consideration. Poor air quality disproportionately affects students with asthma, which impacts 1 in 11 UK children, while temperature fluctuations can challenge those with sensory processing issues. Ventilation systems with high- efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, like those used at a special educational needs school in Birmingham, remove allergens and


pollutants, creating safer spaces. Insulation that maintains stable temperatures also supports these students, ensuring classrooms remain comfortable year-round.


Challenges remain. Retrofitting ventilation and insulation requires upfront investment, and schools must navigate listed building regulations or structural limitations. Maintenance is another hurdle—MVHR systems need regular filter changes, and insulation must be checked for moisture damage. Engaging experts, such as M&E (mechanical and electrical) consultants or Passivhaus architects, is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. Schools can also tap into funding, like the UK’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which supported a Sheffield school’s insulation and ventilation overhaul in 2024.


For schools starting small, practical steps include sealing draughts with weatherstripping, adding insulated blinds to windows, or installing CO2 monitors to guide manual ventilation. Involving students can amplify impact—science classes can monitor air quality, or eco-clubs can campaign for insulation upgrades, fostering environmental awareness. A secondary school in Devon, for instance, launched a student- led “Breathe Better” project, using portable air quality sensors to identify stuffy classrooms, which prompted a low-cost ventilation retrofit.


The broader impact of these upgrades aligns with national priorities. Schools account for 2% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions,


and improving insulation and ventilation is a direct path to net zero. The Department for Education’s 2023 sustainability strategy encourages such measures, and grants are increasingly available. Beyond numbers, these changes create environments where students feel alert, comfortable, and inspired. Teachers at a retrofitted school in Newcastle reported fewer disruptions due to cold or stuffy classrooms, allowing more time for teaching.


Looking ahead, the integration of smart technology could elevate these systems further. Sensors that adjust ventilation and heating based on real-time data are already in use in some UK schools, optimising energy use while maintaining comfort. A pilot project in a London academy uses AI-driven ventilation controls, reducing energy costs by 20% without compromising air quality. Insulation innovations, like phase-change materials that absorb and release heat, are also on the horizon, promising even greater efficiency.


By prioritising ventilation and insulation, UK schools can create buildings that breathe and stay warm, supporting health, learning, and sustainability. These systems are not just technical upgrades—they are investments in student potential and planetary health. As more schools embrace this dual approach, they pave the way for a future where every classroom is a haven of fresh air and steady warmth, ready to nurture the next generation.


Autumn 2025 issue 4181 19


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