About the Project

An industry increasingly focused on climate change needs construction managers with the skills to deliver. Adrian Mills has made it his business to gain professional qualifications in the environment and sustainability, and with this replacement school project delivered the client’s first educational facility that is net zero in use. 

To achieve the net zero target, Adrian installed air-source heat pumps, solar panel arrays and solar battery storage. He required all members of the team to attend a battery of seminars and training courses. It ensured the BREEAM specifications were hit – and in some instances bettered by installing alternative products. He also reduced the on-site carbon footprint by sourcing an electrically operated forklift truck, wheeled dumper and hybrid 360 excavator. 

Innovation was a project theme. Adrian reduced the two-piece design of the outer sheets of the standing seam roof to a single element. He had each super-long sheet formed on site and lifted into position. While he was about it, he value-engineered the structural steel frame to reduce costs and optimised the purlin layout to exploit the single roof-sheet installation.