The Low Carbon Schools of Tomorrow

At Bouygues UK, our vision is clear: to create inspiring places to learn while significantly reducing our environmental impact. With decades of experience building schools for the Department for Education (DfE) and other clients delivering the UK’s education agenda, we have always placed sustainability, social value, and standardisation at the core of our operations. Now, as we all focus on achieving net zero carbon emissions, our commitment to creating energy-efficient, low-carbon educational facilities has only deepened.

Embracing timber through our WeWood initiative

One of the most exciting advancements in our approach to constructing the schools of the future is our WeWood initiative. This initiative, which spans across Bouygues Construction’s global operations, aims to accelerate the use of timber in the buildings we deliver, including those in the education sector. Timber is not just a renewable resource; it is a material that significantly reduces the embodied carbon in construction. By substituting timber for more carbon-intensive materials like concrete and steel, we can make substantial strides in lowering the carbon footprint of new school buildings.

The WeWood initiative also fosters strong collaboration with our clients and supply chain. By partnering with key players in the timber sector and forging innovative construction methods, we are able to deliver comprehensive solutions that go beyond just the structure of the building. For example, in collaboration with Bouygues Bâtiment France and Technologies & Habitats (T&H), we have been able to develop a timber solution where wooden classroom modules are prefabricated off-site. These modules are pre-equipped with essential services, allowing for a seamless integration into the broader school infrastructure. This method not only reduces construction time but also enhances the quality and sustainability of the finished product.

Innovating with off-site construction

The use of timber is just one aspect of our broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions through innovative construction methods. Off-site manufacturing plays a significant role in this approach. By constructing large portions of buildings in a controlled factory environment, we can reduce waste, improve quality control, and significantly cut down on the carbon emissions associated with traditional on-site construction methods.

Bouygues UK will also be using an enhanced quality construction approach through consistent off-site manufacturing, to reduce waste and defects on St John’s Academy.

A holistic approach to sustainable design

While the use of timber and off-site construction methods are central to our approach, we also recognise the importance of a holistic design strategy that addresses every aspect of a building’s environmental impact. This includes everything from the orientation of the building to maximise natural light, to the integration of natural ventilation strategies to ensure a comfortable learning environment without the need for energy-intensive cooling systems.

This approach does not mean sacrificing the uniqueness of each school. Instead, through the use of flexible design elements and a variety of materials, we can ensure that each school we build is a reflection of its community’s identity and needs.

Future-proofing education

As we move forward, the schools of tomorrow must be designed not just to meet today’s standards but to anticipate future needs. This means embracing technologies that allow for real-time monitoring and modelling of building performance, ensuring that the spaces we create are as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible throughout their lifecycle. By standardising our construction methods and integrating innovative solutions like BIM (Building Information Modelling), we are future-proofing our schools, making them adaptable to changing technologies and educational needs.

At Bouygues UK, we are committed to leading the way in creating the low-carbon schools of tomorrow. By prioritising sustainability in every aspect of our work—from the materials we use to the methods we employ—we are building a better future for the next generation. We are proud to be demonstrating just how possible it is to create world-class educational facilities that are both environmentally responsible and inspiring places to learn.