Overview
Schools across the UK are under increasing pressure to upgrade ageing infrastructure while meeting strict carbon reduction targets. Oatway Design has conducted numerous M&E condition surveys and decarbonisation studies for schools nationwide, helping educational institutions align with net-zero goals, compliance requirements, and long-term cost efficiencies.
The Challenge
Many school buildings suffer from:
- Aging heating & ventilation systems that are inefficient and costly to run.
- Non-compliance with modern energy standards, including Part L and TM65.
- Limited funding for upgrades, requiring a phased approach to improvement.
- Site-specific constraints, particularly for historic school buildings or those in conservation areas.
Our Approach
Oatway Design developed a multi-phase strategy to assess and future-proof schools:
- Comprehensive M&E Condition Surveys – Identifying immediate and long-term infrastructure needs.
- Energy & Carbon Reduction Studies – Evaluating existing systems and modelling low-carbon upgrade pathways.
- Renewable Feasibility Assessments – Exploring solar PV, heat pumps, and hybrid solutions tailored to each school’s constraints.
- Lifecycle Cost Analysis – Ensuring proposed upgrades provide long-term savings while improving comfort and learning environments.
Driving Results through M&E Design
- Energy Efficiency Gains: Schools implementing our recommendations have seen major energy savings through system optimisation.
- Compliance & Future-Proofing: Our strategies help ensure alignment with Department for Education sustainability targets and Building Regulations Part L.
- Improved Learning Environments: Enhanced ventilation, heating efficiency, and low-carbon upgrades contribute to better student and staff well-being.
- Scalable Decarbonisation: Schools now have roadmaps to transition towards net-zero carbon operations in a financially viable manner.
Why Good M&E Design Matters
As the UK moves towards a net-zero future, Oatway Design is committed to helping schools make practical, impactful upgrades. Our expertise in M&E surveys, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation strategies ensures schools can meet evolving regulations while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Interested in how we can help your school? Get in touch to discuss how our M&E engineering expertise can future-proof your school’s energy strategy.
