As a follow up to my article on Eco-friendly schools, I'd like to go further into the eco-friendly efforts made by the Howe Dell School in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. I was referred to this particular school's efforts by Rebecca Cadwallader (who I met on twitter-another great reason to tweet!) and was immediately convinced that it could warrant a closer review.
This school which runs from nursery to year 6, had a goal to make their school more sustainable. And in 2007 they made it happen-setting an awesome example for other schools to follow. What's wonderful about what they achieved, is not only the outcome, but the map of their experiences on their website. Even people not involved, like me, can witness, through pictures and words, their school's transformation. What a journey they took!
You can experience the transformation too at http://www.howedell.herts.sch.uk/what_were_about.html
So, what did this school undertake? The entire school moved from an environmentally inefficient, grade two, old rectory school, to a new, very eco-friendly one. Its easy to see their old building was beloved when you peek at their website, but also, how much passion they had for developing something that helps the environment and the children's education! The site the students and staff now inhabit is formally the De Havilland manufacturer's runway. How did they achieve what is the first eco-school in the UK and become first in the world to use a new heating process?
Some quick facts about Howe Dell!
- Work began on the 10 million pound project in January 2006
- It was completed and open for term in September 2007
- The Carbon-Trust gave money to the project because of its use of carbon reducing efforts
- Shaped in a rectangle, all classrooms are south facing
- The school tried to use as much natural lighting and strategically placed lights as possible
- Classrooms have outdoor teaching areas so students have access to the bio-diverse grounds-including a wetlands area!
Students even got out in their wellies and hard hats on the constructions site! There is a link to see the kids getting into it all at http://www.howedell.herts.sch.uk/new_school/the_new_building_has_begun.pdf
What makes it eco?
- A 30 meter wind turbine was built in May 2008-this generates most of the school's electricity
- ICAX Interseasonal Heat Transfer System-keeps heat from the sun and through pipes under the playground. It keeps the energy in computerized thermal banks under the school and releases heat to heat exchangers connected to the underfloor heating and vent systems. It can also capture frost on cold nights and use it to keep the building cool in the summer.
- solar panels-provide domestic hot water for the building
- high performance windows which reduce heat loss and try to achieve the best solar gain
- Termo deck 'mass' ventilation system-uses hollow cores in the floor/roof concrete planks to spread fresh air coming into the building. It can also help cool the building in warmer months.
- 'sustainably sourced sprung timber floor in the main hall and bamboo floor in the dining room'
- sustainably sourced timber was used for the playground
- 'classroom sink tops and splash backs made from recycled yogurt pots'
- ''living' sedum green roof areas to help manage water run off, insulate the building and promote bio-diversity.'
- Rainwater from the roof is used for flushing toilets, irrigation system, and to top of f the bio-diverse wetlands on the school property
The school has been visited by the Duke of Gloucester, teachers, architects and environmentalists. They've even written a letter to Prince Charles asking him to open the school!
The school also uses a software program that allows the students to watch the different environmental systems in use. The curriculum has incorporated this so students can absorb what it means to be eco-friendly and sustainable in this way. There is even an outdoor classroom on the roof! Its not just a neat way to be green, Howe Dell has immersed its students in this endeavor. I was tremendously impressed with all of their efforts and the positive way that they pulled through this project. It demonstrates such a sense of their commitment to the earth but also to their community and each other! Be sure to visit their site to find out more about this conscious and heart filled school!
For more information about the school from articles written about them, click under 'Press Office' on their site.
Carolyn Gilbey of The Guardian, wrote an article talking about this and other eco-practicing schools which can be found at http://www.howedell.herts.sch.uk/press_office/the_guardian.pdf
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