As part of the Levelling up White Paper, government initiatives pledged £1bn to rebuild schools and set out to improve classroom capacity and targets achieved, with recent guidance for local authorities to support in and out of the classroom.
The mission for education: for 90% of pupils to achieve the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the end of Key Stage 2 by 2030.
At GreenBlue Urban we are proud to support the design and implementation of green infrastructure in our schools and higher education facilities.
Aware of a clear focus on constructing cost-effective projects that improve efficiency, help to cut carbon emissions, incorporate SuDS and of course deliver on time with minimal disruption.
Our collaborative method in dealing with architects, engineers, planners, landscape designers and contractors enables an innovative and values-led approach, education remains a strong sector with hundreds of projects in the last 30 years.
These successful case studies have been generated not just by long-standing expertise, but key areas of attention.
- Advise – early engagement with all to deliver value by assessing funding solutions
- Analysis – of the site and any perceived constraints
- Guarantee – benefits for all users, amenity, biodiversity, ROI etc
- Recommend – maintenance programmes based on tree species
The benefits of green infrastructure are widely publicised, however, in our learning environment it is incredibly important as concentration levels can improve by supplying a more natural and calming outlook and reducing noise pollution. Thus improving a positive impact on student’s mental health and well-being.
As well as increasing biodiversity, green infrastructure reduces air pollution with trees being the most effective type of vegetation, encourages active travel, engages local communities and provides outdoor teaching resources. Encouraging positive behaviour including initiatives such as walking to school and forest schools.
In today’s world of Carbon Net Zero, reducing emissions and cooling buildings will reduce the use of air conditioning and overall footprint. Green Infrastructure is not just limited to tree planting, especially when space can be limited, consider green walls, green, blue roofs, planters, and SuDS features including rain gardens.
Successful case studies include the All Saints Primary School in Newmarket a highly commended collaboration between the Water board, (Anglian), and the Local Authority (West Suffolk Council), to reduce stormwater runoff. Multifunctional interventions were led by a SuDS is Fun approach!
Charterhouse School, a BALI award-winning project saw GreenBlue Arborflow tree pits successfully installed by Blakedown Landscapes as designed by Land Use Consultants.
13 beautiful thriving trees are enjoyed by all at the Armstrong Building, Newcastle University thanks to Ashlea Landscapes who installed StrataCell ArborSystem Tree pits, the results speak wonders with numerous benefits.
With many more projects, it is no wonder designers and installers are choosing best practice methods for long-term urban greening to guarantee health and activity, and outdoor wellbeing not just for now but for our future generations too!
GreenBlue are proud to create healthier urban places, in harmony with nature!
