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FEATURE FOCUS: SCHOOL MAINTENANCE & DESIGN
cutting edge solutions. This is where schools are beginning to see real value from working with facilities management providers. Not only can they deliver a basic level of service that guarantees compliance in line with relevant legislation, they can also support educational facilities to overcome complex challenges in terms of improving building performance, energy efficiency, space optimisation and meeting carbon reduction targets. All of this is without the school having to invest in that capability itself. This will become more critical as schools look to lessen their carbon footprint by, for example, upgrading their heating system to a carbon neutral alternative. In our world, everyone should have the chance
to benefit from the progress being made around us whilst respecting the environment. This includes exchanging and communicating ideas, living and travelling safely, working efficiently, enjoying the benefits of new technologies and power resources, and producing better learning environments.
A helping hand tackling regulatory challenges The Department for Education has produced advice to help educators understand their obligations and duties in relation to The School Premises Regulations 2012 (England) and the Building Bulletins. Both set out standards to observe quality and maintenance of toilet and washing facilities, medical accommodation, health safety and welfare, acoustics, lighting, water supplies and outdoor spaces fit for physical education. The regulations also include a declaration that:
‘School premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein must be maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.’ As it stands, an estimated 3.4 million British
children are learning in an unhealthy environment with high levels of small particle pollution, according to Global Action Plan (GAP). The data is the most comprehensive and up-to-date sample of air pollution taken from all schools across the UK and is based on data input from a 2019 annual average data set. As we continue to live in
a pandemic environment, there is every likelihood that these regulations will change and adapt to include factors such as room temperature, lighting and most importantly, addressing the direct impact of poor quality in indoor spaces as their impact on wellbeing and learning are better understood. Whilst our understanding of the impact of poor
air quality on health and a range of other factors, such as attentiveness, is changing, it is clear that it is having a negative effect on people’s wellbeing. Clearly, the issue of ventilation has been brought into sharp by the pandemic, however, the issue is set to remain front of mind for those in the education sector as people take a more holistic view of how the learning environment, and the air within it, is impacting the health, learning and teaching of the children and teachers who occupy it. This will create further complexity and compliance issues for education organisations which will need to be resolved. Luckily, the facilities management sector is well
equipped to deal with these challenges. The independent school sector provides a good example of how the education sector can make good use of outsourced facilities management services. Independent school trusts have, for example, procured services that will ensure they are compliant with building regulations and
legislation, such as meeting the RR(FS) Order 2005 requirements. They tap into ‘bolt on’ services as needed, such as building condition surveys or lifecycle planning, to better understand budgetary needs for the following 5 or 10 years. Leveraging a professional facilities management company has given the academy chains surety on compliance, access to records management without capital expenditure on smart building management IT systems, and specialist expertise in engineering and design. All of this without the need to develop and retain these skills within their own organisation.
The future of school, college and university estates Facilities management now has the opportunity to lead the school estate revolution. In the same vein, schools are also realising they do not have to tackle these major challenges alone. Facilities management will play a crucial role helping schools, colleges and universities adapt and upgrade to solve the complex problems that they are now being given responsibility for. In many cases, whilst the technology and the solutions used to solve complex climate change challenges, such as decarbonisation, exist and are well known, the real-world application of them remains at the cutting edge of the commercial sector, let alone the public sector. As such, it will be critical that the facilities management sector brings its learnings and expertise to bear to integrate new technology and operational improvements. Providing a safe and compliant environment for
students, staff and visitors to work and learn in has never been more important or more challenging. Educators are now being tasked with dealing with challenges that go well beyond the curriculum and would have never crossed the minds of previous administrators, head teachers, and caretakers. The facilities management sector will be a key partner in finding cost effective and incisive solutions to these problems. With educators facing the effects of pandemics, long term health concerns and climate change, the two sectors need to work together to make sure the future resilience of our school estates is secured, and children are given the best learning environment possible.
June 2022
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