A NEW £2 million net zero teaching block has been built at The Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh.

The standalone teaching block used the “better, greener, faster” approach to develop new public buildings for schools in Essex.

To achieve the net zero, Essex County Council embraced the approach known as Modern Methods of Construction, which saw the school buildings manufactured in component parts away from the site and then assembled at the location.

This is just one step in achieving the net zero target set out by the Council.

Julie Gooding, chairman of Rochford District Council, applauded the achievement.

She said: “I applaud the work carried out at Sweyne Park School.

“Simon Smith, the head teacher, has worked with Essex County Council to achieve an excellent example of forward thinking, in working towards Net Zero.

“This is a fantastic example for Rochford District Council to uphold.”

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Prefabricated modular units, manufactured by Eco Modular Buildings, were used throughout each project to ensure that the work was delivered quickly, efficiently and to a high standard while minimising disruption to the live school sites.

The modern methods of construction (MMC) approach that Morgan Sindall Construction implemented was a key part of these school buildings being able to achieve Net Zero Carbon in operation, which was a first for the county.

The new block also provided an extra 150 school places at Sweyne and included six general teaching rooms, a WC, and staff rooms as well as special provisions and classroom enhancements to support suitable education for hearing impaired pupils.

Tony Ball, Essex County Council councillor responsible for education excellence, lifelong learning and employability, said this project play apart in helping make Essex carbon neutral.

He said: “Using the Modern Methods of Construction approach on these three projects has enabled us to successfully deliver new teaching space for schools whilst at the same time helping us deliver on our ambitions to tackle climate change and work towards making Essex carbon neutral.

“These projects play a part in reducing carbon emissions caused by school buildings, at the same time creating a high-quality, bright, fresh, and comfortable learning environment for children.

“Building this way also leaves schools with more money to spend on educating children rather than paying bills and maintenance.”