MEETING THE CHALLENGES
For many schools and academies already navigating disruptive external events, the pressure to deliver academic priorities and shape the workforce of the future has never been greater.
From schools delivering safe, warm and dry learning environments, to multiple academy trusts developing net zero strategies, the overriding goal is finding imaginative ways to do more with less - which is why many turn to RLB.
We understand the challenges of constrained funding, an uncertain future, and an ageing estate. Our data-driven solutions provide holistic property intelligence with robust expenditure forecasting.
OPTIMISING ESTATES
Rationalisation, retrofit, reuse and rebuild are all viable options for doing more with less, but it can be difficult to plan a way forward and define the solutions that are right for you.
How we can support you
As industry experts, we deliver multi-faceted property surveys across schools and academies, providing baseline data and holistic property intelligence with robust expenditure forecast.
From this position, we can guide effective estate strategies to focus investment, deliver long-term operational savings, reduce carbon and realise education ambitions.
DECARBONISING ESTATES
The decarbonisation clock is ticking. As the education sector continues with ambitious goals to reach net zero emissions by 2030 - well ahead of new UK deadlines - many schools and academies are realising some crucial challenges involved in transitioning to a lower carbon estate.
Mapping the route to net zero
The journey to net zero can be daunting, but we will work with you to determine baselines, set targets and map out a clear action plan. By breaking it down and examining the strategic considerations, you can both manage sustainability challenges and create a long-term plan for future-proofing your estate.
From strategy to implementation
We work with you to deliver your school’s sustainability ambitions. Our team will help you understand your drivers and goals, and develop a service offering that will deliver value across environment, social and governance (ESG) pillars.
How we can support you
Our sustainability consultancy service fosters a culture of continuous improvement. We cover all aspects of the sustainability agenda – from accreditations, carbon reduction, energy management, wellbeing and estate rationalisation, through to ethical, legislative and economic pressures. We tailor our service around sustainable project delivery, with expert knowledge provided throughout the project lifecycle.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and Safety (H&S) is of paramount importance to all schools and academies. Many seek advice and assistance to comply with statutory duties under existing H&S legislation for construction projects, maintenance and repair works, occupation and operations.
How we can support you
Our award-winning and accredited H&S team is at the forefront of industry standards. We work closely with schools and academies on building safety management and maintenance, and ensure they are aware of the latest regulations.
Our range of support includes pre-occupation/registration gap analysis, building safety case evidence, building safety management, building condition and compliance surveys, quality monitoring including Clerk of Works, CDM and fire safety consultancy.
We also create and implement BSA compliant information management, and Golden Thread development and digital solutions.
WORRIED ABOUT RAAC?
With the recent news that over 100 schools and colleges have been forced to partially or fully close buildings due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), the spotlight has been firmly focused on at-risk buildings and what can be done to support them.
Inspect. Identify. Respond.
RAAC is typically found in buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1980s. It was primarily used to construct lightweight masonry blocks and structural units such as roof planks, wall and floor units.
If your building was built within this time frame, the next step is a visual inspection. If you believe that RAAC is in place, further investigation will be required in the form of sampling for lab analysis and the appointment of a structural engineer.
How we can support you
We offer a complete range of services as part of our identification, monitoring, and rectification solutions.
Our Building Surveying team has experience identifying RAAC, and can undertake initial condition assessments to appraise risk, situation, and condition of the material. We also help Responsible Bodies with appropriate next steps and guidance.
