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FEATURE FOCUS: SCHOOL MAINTENANCE & DESIGN


of project underperformance, stakeholders can be assured that the outcomes they anticipate will happen. They can align the retrofit measures that affect the greatest positive impact with what will work in practice – offering a no regrets, clear solution for successful execution. Of course, with school budgets already under


extreme pressure, a lack of funding is consistently cited as the biggest hurdle facing project execution. Thankfully, the data-driven insights described go a long way to solving this challenge. By combining thermal imaging data, advanced


detailed understanding into a wide range of energy efficiency issues, including empty or half- filled wall cavities, defective insulation, draughts, porous brickwork, rendering and waterproofing issues and more, many of which could go undetected using other forms of survey. When coupled with advanced energy-saving


calculators and funding databases, it can help schools achieve CO2 reductions, realise financial savings, and improve conditions for pupils and staff by enabling them to take a more strategic approach to their retrofit pathway.


Benefits of thermal imaging Thermal imaging works by measuring areas of energy loss in a building and removes the bias of human surveys. The collected data can then be analysed using artificial intelligence (AI) and combined with open, archetypal building information to give an accurate insight into a building’s energy usage and energy waste. Once this information is gathered and


presented, school stakeholders will have an objective view on what’s needed to plan projects. This is vital as it allows retrofit measures to be chosen which optimise energy consumption reduction and bill savings. Compared to traditional surveying methods, thermal imaging offers a host of benefits.


• It is quick – problems can rapidly be identified, and remedial action discussed. • It is reliable – thermal images cannot lie. • It is accurate – by pinpointing where the problem is, only targeted repairs and maintenance are required. • It is non-invasive and non-destructive – there is no drilling or hammering and no damage is done to the building’s fabric. • It is safe – there is no need for scaffolding or climbing. • It is cost-effective and convenient – it allows a comprehensive survey process to be carried out in a single visit, reducing cost, time, and inconvenience.


Making use of modern technology Further benefits can be achieved by harnessing new technology, data and cloud-based applications. Modern platforms can merge, augment and analyse data to drive decisions


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based on which retrofit solutions are best suited to each building and to create a project roadmap. By conducting thermal imaging, together with


inclusive 10-archetype internal surveys – including EPCs, air tightness, gSkin U-value thermocouples and retrofit assessment and coordination – school buildings can be assessed against a range of criteria such as structural integrity, condition and orientation, whether they have external wall insulation, contain asbestos or if they can take PV structurally. If required, this can also be aligned with


investment criteria so that projects can fit in with investment programmes and enable suitable funding opportunities to be identified to minimise costs. These modern platforms essentially enable


school governors, heads and other school stakeholders to access all the data in one place, making it far easier to prioritise and plan retrofit projects.


A reliable, no regrets solution Forecasting energy and carbon savings at the planning stage is an important part of the retrofit puzzle. But too often, expectations differ vastly from reality. This is where risk quantification comes in. Risk quantification provides confidence in outcomes and protects school stakeholders while guaranteeing savings. Essentially, it turns projects from a potential liability into a financial asset. By understanding the likelihood and magnitude


data modelling, and risk quantification in an ecosystem approach, project outcomes can be guaranteed through insurance policies. This backstops underperformance and provides confidence to funders. Since insurance enables risk transfer, off-balance sheet treatment is possible. Such a methodology allows schools’ existing budgets to be leveraged several times over – maximising the size of projects. Considering the magnitude of overhauling the


energy efficiency of schools, coupled with the fact that it is an extremely complex and highly expensive undertaking, school stakeholders should use all the tools at their disposal to make smart retrofit decisions. By using quantified thermal imaging coupled with advanced energy- saving calculators during decision-making, they will be able to achieve reductions in carbon emissions, make financial savings and improve conditions for pupils and staff.


For further information about IRT Surveys and our energy efficiency solutions for schools, visit: uhttp://irtsurveys.co.uk/


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