NorDan launches strategy for new build schools
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NorDan, one of the UK’s leaders in the manufacture and supply of high performance aluminium clad timber windows and composite doors, has launched a “National Strategy for Schools” – offering a full turnkey service on the supply and installation (where required) of a door and window package and curtain walling for the Priority Schools Building Programme.
The Priority School Building programme (PSBP) is a centrally managed programme from the Department of Education – Schools, in England, set up to address the condition needs of the schools most in need of urgent repair. Through the PSBP, 261 schools which bid and were successful in receiving funding will be rebuilt or have their condition needs met. The first school will be completed in 2014.
PSBP is privately financed. However, schools in the very worst condition and all special schools within the programme are being funded through capital grant of £2.4billion. This is a group of 42 schools.
Says Phil Hulse, General Manager at the NorDan Leeds project management office:
“We have addressed the needs of contractors for window products to meet the high level of energy efficiency targets set under the PSBP. Recognising that our products are perfectly fit for purpose in this application, this has been well received already, in particular contractors who understand the benefit of embracing a ‘fabric first approach’.
“Having 8 manufacturing plants across Europe means we are well placed to supply our timber alu clad window and composite door products in high volumes. We have launched this new campaign to promote our low u value, high performance products, which have a cost in life cycle second to none, and a life expectancy over 60 years, are ideally placed to meet this anticipated demand.”
NorDan’s energy efficient alu-clad timber windows can be supplied with a u value as low as 0.7 w/m2k, which helps a construction company achieve the high annual energy consumption targets set by the Priority Schools Building Project. Some contractors are using windows from the NTech 1.2 range from NorDan, others are considering windows that achieve a U value as low as 0.8 W/m2k.
With the independently verified life cycle costing of a window provide by NorDan, construction companies in this sector are recognising that by investing in a lower u value high performance product, they are achieving massive savings elsewhere in the build programme particularly in the M&E and insulation packages, resulting in lower energy consumption figures and more than meeting the targets set.
Continues Phil Hulse who spearheads the campaign for NorDan,
“Our windows and doors provide the UK building industry with the solutions to achieving energy efficiency targets set – thanks to our continuous programme of Research and Development at our Norwegian headquarters in Moi, the design and performance of our products really is ahead of the game. Perhaps not surprising with the vagaries of the weather in Norway where extreme temperature differences are experienced – very low temperatures in winter and surprising high temperatures in summer.”
One contractor already using NorDan’s alu clad windows and doors for two major new build programmes for schools in England is Shepherd Construction.
The £12million Priory Ruskin Academy at Grantham built by Shepherd will have full reversible aluminium clad timber windows from NorDan with a u value of 1.2 W/m2K. They will also be fitted with electronic actuators from business partners SE Controls, to manage temperatures in the classrooms in hot summers.
Ercall Wood Technology College, a new build contract worth £14million, and one of ten new build and remodelled schools for Telford and Wrekin Council will also have NorDan windows. The Education Funding Agency (EFA) Framework was established to transform learning through new and modernised school buildings and through the use of the latest technology. It demands a high level of performance focussed on quality in delivery to a defined budget.
Through early engagement on Ercall Wood Technology College, NorDan embraced the collaborative approach promoted by Shepherd, providing valuable input to the design development process, identifying affordable solutions in support of the overall project budget.