Here are some quick tips for achieving sustainable refurbishments:

Switch to LED lighting
Retrofit existing fluorescent lighting with LED to increase energy efficiency.

Embrace recycled materials:
Opt for recycled materials or those with a high recycled content to reduce the demand for new resources.

Opt for electrified heating:
Electrify space and water heating to move towards cleaner energy alternatives.

Explore ventilation strategies:
Investigate natural ventilation or mixed-mode ventilation and cooling strategies to minimise reliance on energy-intensive systems.

Environmentally friendly refrigerants:
Assess the feasibility of using lower GWP (global warming potential) or recycled refrigerants for cooling systems.

Implement energy controls:
Install lighting and temperature controls to ensure energy is only used when necessary, reducing waste.

Promote material reuse:
Reuse materials from elsewhere in the estate to extend their lifecycle and reduce waste.

Consider modular designs:
Explore the use of modular or standardised designs to streamline construction processes and minimise material use.

Design for disassembly:
Create designs that enable easy disassembly, repair, and reuse, promoting a circular economy approach.

By implementing these ‘Lite’ refurbishment strategies, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future while creating vibrant and environmentally responsible educational spaces.