Sofa Session C - Climate Energy and Estate Performance

Planning for Net Zero at Portfolio Scale: Practical Insights for Education Estates Achieving net zero across a diverse education estate requires a consistent, data driven strategy. Drawing on programmes such as the Net Zero Roadmap for the Welsh Education Estate and LocatED, this presentation will share practical lessons from portfolio scale decarbonisation planning. It will outline how whole life carbon assessment can inform early design in line with SDG 01 to 20 guidance and how operational performance, future energy systems and climate resilience can be addressed from the outset. Attendees will gain insights into effective tools for carbon baselining, managing legacy data and supporting future adaptability discussions. INNOVATIONS IN INCLUSIVE, RESTORATIVE AND EMPATHETIC SCHOOL DESIGN AtkinsRéalis will showcase their innovative work in the field of inclusive design through the lens of two developing hybrid mainstream & SEND school projects in Ireland. We will demonstrate our approach to Empathetic design: a human-centered approach to creating environments and that deeply understand and address the emotional stressors, supports, and experiences of learners. We will demonstrate innovative thinking on the integration of SEND, ASD and mainstream learners in a mutually beneficial culture of equality, equity and diversity while inspiring and challenging both learners and educators to think in new ways in which integrated, empathetic and inclusive learning takes place. Decarbonising the School Envelope: Whole-Life Carbon in Practice Whole life carbon is now a core requirement in public-sector procurement, placing new emphasis on the embodied carbon of the building envelope. This presentation explores how aluminium façade and window systems can contribute to meaningful carbon reduction in school buildings through recycled content, EPD transparency, circular design, and supply chain choices. Using practical examples, it demonstrates how designers and specifiers can deliver compliant, low carbon envelopes today while supporting longevity, adaptability, and end-of-life recovery.