Education

Over the next 10- 15 years, the Government plans to build the schools of the future by rebuilding or refurbishing every secondary school in England. Saint-Gobain can assist with this ambitious programme of educational reform by providing solutions for inspirational learning environments which encourage high performance whilst addressing key sustainability issues.

Saint-Gobain can help with acoustics, lighting, fire prevention and resistance as well as energy efficiency and high performance finishes. Close co-operation across the design and build team with a new emphasis on robust systems and techniques that speed up the build process whilst providing flexibility to accommodate different class sizes and classroom usage is also key.

For example, British Gypsum developed new wall and ceiling systems to meet the specific needs of education buildings. GypWall EXTREME incorporating Rigidur H board addresses the need for a lightweight alternative to blockwork in high traffic areas in schools. Education buildings need to be constructed to withstand intensive use and Gypwall EXTREME is the ultimate impact-resistant partition.

Saint-Gobain Ecophon has long-term experience in the education sector and are well positioned to help architects, specifiers and contractors to create better learning environments.  Ecophon is a founding member, and the first construction manufacturer, invited to join the British Council for School Environments (BCSE) a membership organisation made up of schools, local authorities, construction companies and architects. Like British Gypsum, Ecophon realises that products specified in education projects need to contribute to flexible and transformational design. The Ecophon Super G range of acoustic ceiling tiles and wall panels has been particularly successful in schools because of its dual-purpose, providing acoustic absorption whilst being impact-resistant.

More and more specifiers and users are insisting on the use of insulation materials that not only deliver technical performance but also come with exceptional green credentials.  Glass mineral wool insulation can achieve an A+ rating, boasts zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and zero GWP (Global Warming Potential). Isover glass mineral wool insulation is manufactured from a combination of silica sand and up to 80% recycled post-consumer glass from building regeneration projects or flat glass manufacture that would otherwise go to landfill.