Synergy News & Blog: News
Solar Spotlight – A Holistic Roofing Solution
Schools and academies are currently faced with the difficult challenge of reducing carbon emissions whilst making current resources stretch further with restricted budgets.
With rising pressure to meet net zero targets, aligning the age and condition of your school’s building stock with the incorporation of sustainable upgrades can be a cost-effective solution to maintaining and future proofing your school.
A Holistic Roofing Solution
We partner with suppliers that provide high-performance solar systems to provide a holistic solution that addresses both the condition and energy efficiency of roofs.
Synergy’s education team have delivered numerous refurbishment and replacement roof projects with the addition of solar PV. It is also possible in some cases to incorporate solar into the preparation of roof improvement CIF bids.
We are delighted to have helped Westcliff High School for Boys secure funding and have just delivered their replacement roof covering, insulation and solar panel project on site (Cover photo).
Adopting an integrated approach to roofing works and solar has many sustainability, programming and cost benefits:
Minimise disruption and construction cost:
Combining solar panel installation with roofing works is a strategic move that will minimise disruption and cost to your school. Your school can save on labour, scaffolding and other associated costs and will benefit from an overall shorter delivery programme, minimising further interruption to the school timetable. By using a one-stop-shop, this frees up time and resource for school leaders to focus on other school priorities.
Additionally, the lifespan of a new roof aligns well with that of solar panels, ensuring that both systems can function optimally without the need for premature replacements.
A fabric-first approach:
Assessing the condition and thermal performance of a roof is an important first step in a school’s sustainability journey. For example, there is little point in adding solar panels to a roof that is losing energy through poor insulation or to a roof that’s lifespan has expired. This ‘fabric-first’ approach will ensure a streamlined process where both fabric and technology perform optimally together. An initial condition survey of the existing roof will assess if any maintenance is required and will ensure the structure and lifespan are suitable for the solar installation.
Sustainability benefits:
Retrofitting school buildings with thermally efficient roofing systems and investing in renewable energy such as solar PV will significantly reduce a school’s carbon footprint.
Increasing your school’s energy independence will lead to lower operational costs and the avoidance of energy tariff increases. This reduction in annual expenditure can support with paying for the roofing works and can free up capital for other priorities.
To discuss your school’s roofing requirements and/or sustainability journey, arrange a chat with our education team via enquiries@synergyllp.com
