We’ve Heard of Sustainable Offices – What about Sustainable Schools?

What do we mean by sustainability?

School furniture which has sustainability was originally used to describe the concept of keeping something ‘at the same level’. The modern definition takes a wider view and considers the planet, the environment and the best use of future resources.

How does this relate to homes and offices?

Sustainable homes and offices are generally agreed to adhere to agreed standards of construction and build standards that use certain materials and methods, protecting or recycling the earth’s resources to enable an ecological balance that supports the quality of modern life.

Things that might help a building be perceived as sustainable could include:

1. High insulation levels meaning minimal heating and cooling is required.
2. Energy-efficient lighting and heating – for example, low-energy lighting and heat pumps.
3. The use of building materials that have a lower impact on the environment.
4. Design features like green roofs that serve dual purposes – for example by absorbing rainwater or helping to decrease stress by providing a pleasant environment for residents or students.
5. Fittings designed to use less water.

So how does this concept translate to schools and colleges?

Schools and educational establishments are generally very familiar with the concept as it forms part of many curricular activities and is a subject of great interest to students. But old buildings and limited budgets mean that innovative solutions are often required.

How can schools work to improve sustainability?

Aside from obvious things like heating and insulation, a great way for schools to consider sustainability is in the purchase of new equipment and furniture. Good school furniture suppliers understand the need to balance budgets with practicality and environmental impact.

Sustainability factors that can be considered when purchasing new school furniture:

• Look at purchasing furniture made in the UK and EU. Manufacturers are likely to be able to confirm adherence to higher standards of production regulation and transportation is lower.
• Consider multi-purpose furniture – perhaps a large table could function as a meeting table as well as training room furniture or as a study table in a library. Foldable, wheeled and stackable pieces allow for easy repurposing.
• Invest in pieces from ranges that can come together or expand as space requires or modular furniture like cubes that can be easily rearranged over and over again according to immediate need.
• Think about materials – modern school furniture suppliers will have a range of furniture made from recycled materials, for example hard-wearing, colorful plastic chairs that are almost indestructible but crafted entirely from recycled materials.
• Ask your contract furniture supplier about tables made from recycled steel or desks that are not only made from recycled materials but are designed to be recycled again.