BAM appointed for pathfinder net-zero college build

Contractor BAM Construction has been appointed by the Department of Education to create a pathfinder college that develops sustainable design for building new schools.

The teaching and communal building at Southam College in Warwickshire will achieve net-zero carbon emissions and low energy use as well as having a design that includes climate resilience, and health and wellbeing elements.

According to BAM, the scheme intends to set the bar and guide how schools are built in the future.

As well as being the main contractor, BAM will act as lead architect, and the company has also conducted extensive energy and climate modelling, interior design, and is providing the school with a strategy for achieving a net-zero carbon in operation position for the rest of the estate’s life. 

BAM Regional Director for the Midlands Dave Ellis said: “The building will be net-zero in operation, and we are also reducing the embodied carbon – the carbon in the actual materials used in the construction. We’ve evaluated the base design and produced a range of options to reduce embodied carbon.

“What we learn from Southam College will feed into the Department’s wider approach to reducing carbon in the education field. In addition, we’ll add additional significant extra social value by using local companies in our supply chain, and work around the school so classes and activities continue uninterrupted during the project.”

Southam College, part of Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust, educates 11-18-year old students and was graded outstanding at its last Ofsted report. 

Ranjit Samra, Head Teacher of Southam College, said: “The new school design meets the highest environmental and sustainability standards and will be a symbol of how much we value our students, staff and wider community. It will help to raise expectations that anything is possible.”

New facilities include science laboratories, a hall, drama facilities, 3D art room, photographic facilities, food tech areas, music rooms, a sixth form hub, reception, and a dedicated Special Educational Needs base.