Early findings from £1m study find £22 potential saving for every pupil in the UK - Cyril Sweett to publish guidance on building types

Building zero carbon schools could save the UK £165m in annual energy bills, according to the early findings of a project designed to show builders how to make carbon neutral buildings.

Steel is a carbon intensive material to make, but the commissioners say it can make very efficient buildings

The figure is equivalent to £22 for every pupil in the UK, according to the commissioners of the study, steelmaker Corus and trade body the British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA).

The organisations have commissioned consultants and engineers to come up with guidance on how to use steel to make zero carbon buildings.

The £1m project, called Target Zero, will see Faber Maunsell and consultant Cyril Sweett, publish guidance on five separate building types – schools, warehouses, offices, supermarkets and mixed use.

Corus says the first of the guides will appear this summer, focusing on schools. Others will appear at three-monthly intervals after that.

Steel is a carbon intensive material to make, but the commissioners say it can make very efficient buildings, and can be made more sustainable as a material through re-use and recycling.

Richard Barrett, BCSA president, said: “The sustainability of steel construction is well established through unique benefits such as multicycling, reuse, low waste and long lasting popular buildings. Target Zero will add carbon minimisation to the impressive list of credentials.”

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