Net zero carbon modular primary school
Equans has completed work on the brand-new modular, target net zero-carbon Ribblesdale Primary School, located in the heart of the Ribble Valley.Net zero carbon modular primary school
Equans has completed work on the brand-new modular, target net zero-carbon Ribblesdale Primary School, located in the heart of the Ribble Valley.
Key partnership facts
Key partnership facts
Overview
Equans has completed work on the brand-new modular, target net zero-carbon Ribblesdale Primary School, located in the heart of the Ribble Valley. The school will provide much-needed education facilities for a growing local community and has been designed and delivered with sustainability at its core.
Our work
Modular construction
The new Ribblesdale Primary School was constructed using modular construction methods, enabling a higher build quality while improving energy efficiency. Modular construction also allowed for a significantly faster build programme compared to traditional construction, with fewer on-site trades required.
Target net zero
To support the school’s target net zero carbon ambitions, Equans installed a ground source heat pump to provide a sustainable source of heating and hot water. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels were also installed on the roof to generate renewable electricity for the building. Together with the modular construction approach, these measures mean the school is designed to be net zero in operation.
The school building was lowered during construction to reuse excavated material on site, which was used to create a new football pitch, multi-use games area and general play space. This approach ensured no material was taken off site or imported, saving both resources and energy. Two water attenuation tanks were also installed to help reduce flood risk.
Innovative approach to site fuel
During the construction phase, Equans adopted an innovative approach to site fuel, using a battery-optimised generator powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a low-carbon alternative.
Impact
The sustainable construction approach delivered significant environmental benefits, including:
- Over a 90% reduction in scope 1 emissions during construction
- Improved local air quality
- A school designed to operate as net zero carbon
- Reduced waste and material transport through on-site reuse
- Enhanced flood resilience through water attenuation measures
Testimonials
“Pupils attending Ribblesdale’s primary provision will access a truly cohesive through-school curriculum delivered by highly skilled specialist teachers, and they’ll have the run of this fabulous building and all its facilities. Ribblesdale is an inclusive school with an exclusive offering, and we’re so excited about all the opportunities ahead for our little ones.”
Anne-Marie Horrocks, Headteacher at Ribblesdale Primary School
“We’re delighted to have completed work on this state-of-the-art primary school on behalf of Lancashire County Council. It’s great that at Equans we’ve been able to utilise our expertise in low-carbon construction to provide a sustainable school for generations to come.”
Alyson Seddon, Construction Director, Equans UK & Ireland
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
