Download St Paul`s RC School Leicester

Document related concepts

Building regulations in the United Kingdom wikipedia , lookup

Green building wikipedia , lookup

Performance-based building design wikipedia , lookup

Architectural design values wikipedia , lookup

Diébédo Francis Kéré wikipedia , lookup

Architect-led design–build wikipedia , lookup

Construction management wikipedia , lookup

Architect wikipedia , lookup

Transcript
Climate Change Adaptation Study
Report: St Pauls School, Leicester
January 2014
A.J. Wright
Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development, De Montfort University
M.J. Taylor
Miller Construction (UK) Ltd
Design for Future Climate: Adapting Buildings
Project ID: 1105_FS_LIB_DFFC2
Contents:
1.0 Section 1: Building Profile………………………………………………………………..…16
1.1
1.2
1.3
Description…………………………………………………………………………………..18
Design Stage………………………………………………………………………………..21
Adaptation Study……………………………………………………………………………25
2.0 Section 2: Climate Risk Assessment…………………..………………………………….27
2.1
Datasets……………………………………………………………………………………..35
3.0 Section 3: Adaptation Strategy……………………………………………………………..43
3.1
Simulation………………………………………………………………………………...…49
4.0 Section 4: Learning From This Report…………………………………………………….68
5.0 Section 5: Extending Adaptation To Other Buildings…………………………………..78
6.0 Section 6: Appendices…………………………………………………………………………1
Appendix 1…………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Appendix 2…………………………………………………………………………………………...12
Appendix 3………………………………………………………………………………………...…16
Appendix 4…………………………………………………………………………………………...28
1
07/05/2017
Executive Summary
This report details the results of the Climate Change Adaptation Study undertaken for St
Pauls School, Leicester on behalf of the Technology Strategy Board ‘Design for Future
Climate: Adapting Buildings’. It was revised in February 2013 following feedback from the
Technology Strategy Board and again in April 2013 and November 2013 when Miller
Construction (UK) Limited added additional project detail and technical, procedural, policy
and financial content relevant to this and other similarly specified projects.
Initially the St Paul’s project was envisaged as being roughly 50% new build works and 50%
refurbishment works, however on-going contractual developments have meant that the final
design remit was for a primarily new build solution. Although these changes have led to
delays in the overall project, they were necessary and unavoidable in order to achieve a
mutually agreeable overall solution and it is these new build works that the Climate Change
Adaptation Study is based on.
Following an initial review of the project specific information, topography and location, it was
apparent that the main risk areas would be flooding during prolonged periods of heavy rain
and overheating during the warmer summer months and at times of unseasonably hot
weather. While the risk of flooding can be dealt with relatively simply through sensible
drainage design and installation, and the careful adherence to the recommendations of a
well-executed Flood Risk Assessment (FRA), adaptation to deal with overheating is more
involved.
As the main body of this report will demonstrate, there needs to be a focus on reducing
summer overheating, while also minimising the overall reliance on heating, fuel consumption
and waste. This is best achieved by considering the problem sufficiently early in the design
development process and implementing changes to the building fabric such as; increasing
exposed thermal mass, incorporating greater thicknesses and more efficient insulation, and
carefully exploring the options available in terms of glazing and shading selection. The
results of the simulation have also been assessed in order to demonstrate the effect and
influence that each variable might have on these overall problems.
Although each building and construction scheme has its own unique project dictates, this
report demonstrates that other education schemes could also benefit by utilising similar
design and construction drivers, established by the simulation and expanded upon in the
textual analysis. Indeed it was Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s intention from the beginning
of the process to use the results of this Report to generate a generic ‘Best Practice’
document that could be used to better inform its employees and ensure that all future
projects benefited from enhanced sustainability, adaptability and robust design solutions.
It must be noted however, that different glazing areas/ ratios and building orientations etc
may produce very different simulated results in other schemes and the findings of this report
are purely theoretical until applied to a specific scenario with its own unique simulation and
report.
2
07/05/2017
Section One focuses on St Pauls School as a specific project and details the technical
elements of the scheme including:

Existing and new build elements

An appraisal of the construction scheme Client Brief

Specific project challenges and constraints

The design process and the current stage in the overall design development

An introduction into the Climate Change Adaptation Study, how it is facilitated and
what end results can be expected from the exercise
Existing school size and characteristics
Relationship with the Krishna Avanti free-school
Project challenges
New build/ refurbishment split
Image of the existing entrance building
Description of the existing school/ building(s)
Occupancy pattern
Climate heat gain factors
Existing topographical survey drawing
Impact of limited CAPEX
Image of proposed new entrance building
Project delays and the change from refurbishment to new build works
Project milestones
Focus of simulation exercises
New build proposals
Proposed site plan drawing
Landscape works proposals
Proposed refurbishment works to existing boilers
Making good proposals
Collection of existing and new school buildings
Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s approach to the Climate Change
Adaptation Study
Managing Client expectations against budget & current/ future climate
conditions
Design implications of the Thermal Model Analysis
Flood Risk Assessment, external levels design, building location,
drainage design & SUDS principles
‘Best Practice’ guidelines and the need to constantly adapt in the future
Table of materials used in the external façade
Page 16
Page 16
Pages 16-17
Page 17
Page 18
Pages 18-19
Page 19
Page 19
Page 19
Page 20
Page 21
Page 21
Pages 21-22
Page 22
Pages 22-23
Page 23
Page 23
Page 23
Page 24
Page 24
Page 25
Page 25
Page 26
Page 26
Page 26
Page 26
When determining a ‘high-level’ approach to this construction project it was necessary to
assess all of the existing factors and variables and then select the most appropriate
response. A summary of the key project information as determined by the Project Team is
noted below:



‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Poor’ existing building stock that has been situated and designed as
a direct result of the period of construction and site dictates
Existing internal and external access issues
Numerous existing changes in level
3
07/05/2017








Utilisation of a traditional materials pallet at present
A current lack of innovation in terms of the materials and techniques utilised
Ineffective existing natural ventilation system resulting in a significant problem with
heating/ cooling and ventilation and no less than twenty-nine existing boilers
Existing Classrooms that are too small and result in a shortfall in accommodation in
line with the DCSF model school accommodation schedule
At present the site suffers from flooding in times of heavy rain due to the flat
orientation and poor existing drainage provision
A limited CAPEX limits the extent of any construction works
The budget allocation has been made primarily for the enhancement/ development of
the building stock and not the external landscaping
Project delays and a change in focus from refurbishment work to new build works has
affected progress
In response to the factors noted above, the Project Team decided to develop a new standalone building with a similarly sympathetic pallet that would utilise modern technology, highly
efficient and sizeable insulation elements to the floors, walls and roof; as well as ambitious
U-Value and air leakage rate targets. The new building would be constructed across threestoreys to minimise the building footprint and maximise the amount of usable floor space. In
order to address the fact that this would be the first building on site in excess of two-storeys,
the second floor would utilise a change of materials and be stepped back to make it less
obtrusive.
In order to address the inefficiencies of the existing M&E solution, Miller Construction (UK)
Limited undertook to develop a solution that utilised natural, mixed-mode and mechanical
ventilation principles in the respective areas where they were most suitable and in doing so
effectively providing the right solution in the right area instead of an overall blanket ‘dictate’.
Despite the limited refurbishment budget and scope, Miller Construction (UK) Limited will
also amend the existing heating strategy across the retained estate so that new controls and
an overall reduction in the amount of boilers can be realised and in doing so the aim is to
improve campus efficiencies as a whole.
A large two-storey colonnade will be incorporated in order to add aesthetic interest as well
as in response to the specialist’s Thermal Model analysis and will act as an integral part of
the overall solar shading design solution. As part of the new design, external levels will be
rationalised, level thresholds provided and flat access provided throughout the new ground
floor so that there is no need for ramps or internal steps. As well as assisting with improved
access for the disabled; the revised external levels will help to reduce the incidences of
building flooding in the event of heavy rain, especially due to the fact that this approach will
be coupled with improved drainage design and SUDS technology solutions.
In response to the requirements of the Climate Change Adaptation Study, Miller
Construction (UK) Limited undertook to provide the theoretical aspect itself, while engaging
De Montfort University to undertake the technical and analytical element on its behalf. The
combined result was envisaged as a way of generating realistic recommendations that could
be applied to future construction projects, (although they would not be used to directly
influence the St Pauls School project). It is hoped that by doing this; short, medium and longterm design and construction strategies to better address climate change can be developed.
4
07/05/2017
Section Two focuses specifically on the risk factors associated with this and other similarly
specified construction projects. Micro and Macro factors are reviewed and applied to the St
Paul’s scheme and the authors use this section to introduce some of the technical data
streams used during the recording and collation of the data necessary to generate this
report.
Risk Factors
Flooding
Flood plain mapping image
HSP and the Flood Risk Assessment
Image of the existing school entrance/ reception
Image of the existing school entrance/ reception
Image of the ground slope towards the existing Sports Hall
Effect of the existing level differences
Discharge rate and the requirement for extensive on-site attenuation
Ground conditions & inadequate maintenance (drainage ditches silted
up or ‘re-claimed’ by neighbours)
Clay substrate - a poor drainage medium
2No images of existing drainage ditches in poor maintenance
Existing drainage details
Poor below ground drainage
Future CCTV survey requirements
Heating & ventilation
Building Regulations contribution to overheating problems
Climactic data approach
Overheating due to user concentration, I.T, teaching practices &
personal user interface requirements
Climate change characteristics
The need for more cooling and less heating
Cooling/ ventilation strategy
Mixed-mode solution
Mixed-mode image
Summer comfort
Heating
Overheating
Ventilation
Datasets & the description of the Prometheus Project
Dataset modelling table
Weather data
Time period
Emission scenario
Probability
IPCC climate projections table
Emissions scenario table
Box & whisker plots table
Box & whisker plots tables
Box & whisker plots table
Page 27
Pages 27-31
Page 27
Page 28
Page 28
Page 29
Page 29
Page 30
Page 30
Page 30
Page 30
Page 30
Page 31
Page 31
Page 31
Pages 31-34
Page 31
Page 31
Page 31
Page 32
Page 32
Page 32
Page 32
Page 32
Page 32
Page 33
Page 33
Page 34
Pages 35-42
Page 35
Pages 35-36
Page 36
Page 36
Pages 37-38
Page 37
Page 39
Page 39
Page 40
Page 41
Although the detailed determination of the project’s design principles is not detailed until
Section 3 of this report, Section 2 went into greater detail with regards to the contributing
factors that informed those decisions and these were assessed based on the following
aspects:
5
07/05/2017












The greatest risk factors to the project are; flooding, overheating and inadequate
ventilation
A response to the current flooding issue was urgently required
HSP’s Flood Risk Assessment suggests that the flooding is not being caused due to
the site being in a high flood risk area, by proximity to other high flood risk areas, due
to existing ground water issues, or due to overland flooding issues. Further to this, as
the PPS 25 document states that the type of development being proposed is suitable
for this type of site, the cause of the flooding must be something else
The ground floor level of the existing reception/ main entrance building is significantly
lower than that of the neighbouring car park etc. As well as this, the existing strip
drain is ineffective and does not act as a barrier to flood water running off the
impervious car park medium
Clearly the existing level differences have a negative effect on surface water ingress
into the main entrance/ reception building
There are large areas of existing impervious material and when coupled with a
permissible off-site surface water discharge rate of 16l/s this makes adequate
management of surface water run-off difficult
Poor maintenance of the existing drainage ditches exacerbates this issue
Existing ground conditions indicate the presence of a clay substrate which is a poor
drainage medium and effectively rule out soakaways and infiltration principles as
permissible options
Initial investigations/ enquiries suggest that the existing below ground drainage
installation is in poor condition and this manifests itself by backing up and flooding the
existing school
The Building Regulations actually contribute to overheating and inadequate
ventilation design in modern buildings
In modern building overheating is experienced due to user concentrations, I.T
requirements, increasing reliance on technological solutions, developed teaching
practices and personal user interface requirements
Current climate change characteristics as well as the predicted trend suggest that this
will be further exacerbated
Having assessed the findings noted above, the Project Team decided to address the issues
as two aspects; i) flooding and ii) overheating/ ventilation. Details of the design principles
adopted have been included within Section 3 of this report, although it is clear from the
Section 2 analysis that external ground levels would need to be addressed and that in order
to address the issue of surface water run-off, considerable on-site attenuation provision
would be required. It was also decided that in order to fully appreciate the condition of the
existing below ground drainage installation, a comprehensive CCTV survey would be
required.
In order to address the overheating/ ventilation issues fully, the Project Team decided to
engage De Montfort University and make use of the datasets and the Prometheus Project
information in terms of current and future climate conditions. Again, more detailed design
principles have been included in Section 3 of this report, although it was clear that the Team
would need to focus its design concept on increased cooling requirements and minimal
heating requirements. It was generally agreed that one way of doing this effectively,
efficiently and in line with the project cost plan was through the introduction of mixed-mode
technology.
6
07/05/2017
Section Three details the parameters considered and utilised within the computer
simulations and reflects a summary of the results that were achieved. It also contains
preliminary recommendations, an overall analysis of the most effective combination of
variables and a realistic assessment of how feasible it is to accommodate these design
variables within the current building industry climate.
Summary Introduction
Flooding
Existing external levels
Permeable surfaces
SUDS
Building Regulations Part H and the Flood Risk Assessment
SUDS feasibility table
Attenuation design provision
Improved drainage installation
Improved maintenance regimes
Diagram showing the principles of an attenuation basin
Heating and ventilation
SWOT analysis
De Montfort University Summer overheating simulation
Simulation variables table
Simulation screenshot
Table of proposed property combinations
Project factors affecting feasibility
Aspirational glazing properties table
Table showing the effect of different glazing types
Effect of varying the design parameters
Other adaptation variables that can be considered in relation to the
heating and ventilation design
Timescales for adoption
Page 43
Pages 43-46
Page 44
Page 44
Pages 44-45
Pages 44-45
Page 45
Page 45
Page 45
Page 46
Page 46
Page 46
Page 48
Pages 49-54
Page 49
Page 50
Page 51
Pages 51-52
Page 52
Page 53
Pages 53-54
Page 54
Pages 55-60
Immediately: Drainage
Levels
Permeable surfaces
SUDS
Page 55
Page 55
Page 55
Page 55
At any time:
Page 55
Pages 55-56
Page 56
Page 56
Pages 56-57
Page 57
Page 57
Page 57
Pages 57-58
Page 58
Page 58
Maintenance
Additional shading from trees
Change external cladding elements
Exposing the internal floor slab
Overhangs
Ventilation (night)
Ventilation (day)
Solar control glazing
Renewable technologies
More efficient hardware
Low-heat emitting computers
New project design only:
Stack effect design principles
Cost benefit analysis
Details of the Lifecycle Cost Analysis exercise
Summary table of adaptation measures, timescales and key triggers
Commercial analysis of adaptability measures
Recommendations to be adopted at St Pauls School
7
Page 58
Pages 58-60
Pages 59-60
Page 61
Page 62
Page 63
07/05/2017
Timeline of proposed adaptation measures 2010–2080
Summary table of flooding adaptation measures
Summary table of heating and ventilation adaptation measures
Page 64
Page 66
Page 67
After undertaking a thorough review of the design variables, the Project Team concluded
that it would have to consider the following:











Possible flood design options; amending external levels, introducing additional
permeable surfaces, incorporating SUDS technology, improving existing drainage
installations, improving upon the existing maintenance regimes
SUDS options to be considered were; pervious pavements etc, filter drains, silt
removal, detention basin, rainwater harvesting, ponds, swales, soakaways, green
roofs and bio-retention
On-site attenuation would be needed to address the 16l/s discharge rate for a 1:30
year event, 1:30 – 1:100 year events and the 20% additional capacity to account for
climate change
The poor state of the existing drainage installations could not be fully addressed due
to the limitations of the project scope and budget
There was a definite need to revise and improve upon the school’s maintenance
regime/ procedures going forwards
Heating and ventilation design variables to be considered; shading (building),
shading (existing trees), solar control glazing, reflective external surfaces, thermal
insulation (greater than that required by the Building Regulations), thermal mass
(within surfaces), ventilation (day) and ventilation (night)
Renewable technologies should be fully considered, including; photovoltaic cells, air
source heat pumps, wind turbines and district heating systems, (some of which can
generate a return on investment over a set period of time)
Theoretical variables and proposals are affected by real life requirements i.e. budget,
building practices, Client Requirements/ Brief, Planning Conditions and M&E
requirements etc
Varying the design parameters will have a noticeable effect on overall performance
Miller Construction (UK) Limited could use its experience of previous project risks
and opportunities within the design process to complement the theoretical analysis,
such as by reviewing the potential for more energy efficient hardware and low-heat
emitting computers
Not every opportunity is suitable for every project
Having spent a great deal of time reviewing the potential design options, the Project Team
decided to proceed with several of the highlighted considerations. Existing external levels
would be addressed during the cut and fill exercise and by locating the new building
carefully, the large expanse of existing impervious surfaces could be reduced and replaced
with new permeable landscaping alternatives. In doing this, all water from the new car
parking areas will either pass directly into pervious pavements, or where this is not
recommended for other design considerations, discharge over impermeable surfaces into
areas of pervious paving. Water from the new hard-standing areas and the new roof areas
will dissipate to a catch pit upstream of below ground attenuation storage. The water from
the attenuation storage will then discharge at a controlled rate through a 140m long filter
drain
During storm events exceeding a 1 in 30 year return period, water will surcharge from the
last manhole on site to an extended attenuation basin. All surface water from events
exceeding a 1 in 30 year return event, up to a 1 in 100 year return period, plus 20%
allowance for climate change will be contained in the attenuation basin
8
07/05/2017
The use of a wet pond was considered as a form of attenuating water in low return period
events however, the additional area that would be required for a wet pond would become
considerable and would consume too much of the playing fields to be practical. Instead a
408m3 primary cellular storage (below ground attenuation tank system) would be used to
complement the 317m3 extended detention basin.
Where existing drainage installations could not be addressed, a detailed CCTV camera
survey would be undertaken to identify the problem areas to the Client. In addition to this
enhanced and more effective maintenance regimes would be conveyed to the Client through
the use of the O&M Manuals, suitable training and a more robust School Management Plan.
Additional tree planting would be utilised to ensure a natural and passive screen of
protection for the current scheme and in years to come. Shading overhangs in the form of a
double-story height colonnade that has been assessed by the M&E engineers as sufficient to
act alongside internal blinds in providing the desired level of solar shading and anti-glare
provision. Maximised insulation thicknesses would be installed to the entire building
envelope in order to adhere to stringent U-Value and air-leakage rates. Enhanced renewable
technology provision in the form of a 100m2 photovoltaic array and bio-fuel technology
derived main boiler plant would form part of the project
Section Four has been used to reflect on the raw data and recommendations of the
preceding sections and provides comment on the overall process and potential future
applications.
Summary of the approach to the adaptation design work
Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s corporate mission statement
‘Lessons Learnt’ and ‘Best Practice’
Frequently occurring issues
Future ‘Best Practice’ guide
Key individuals in the project and their input into proceedings
Miller Construction (UK) Limited
Institute of Energy & Sustainable Development – De Montfort
University, Leicester
AEDAS (architect)
MBCE (structural & civil engineer)
PWP Building Services Limited (M&E contractor)
Anderson Green (M&E design consultant)
The initial project plan and its development
Overall Team structure and functionality
Positives taken from Project delays
Resources and tools used during the exercise
Energy Plus simulation engine and the iEPlus environment
Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s brainstorming sessions, co-ordination
Meetings and general workshops
Industry standard documentation
Constructive reflection of overall approach and recommendations
Importance of a competent Project and Design Team and a
knowledgeable Client and End-User
Constraints to theoretical adaptation proposals
Project sequencing for future Climate Change Adaptation Studies
(drainage & SUDS design implications)
Importance of clearly identifying key roles and responsibilities early in
the Project
9
Page 68
Page 68
Page 68
Page 68
Pages 68-69
Pages 69-72
Page 69
Page 70
Page 70
Page 71
Page 71
Page 72
Page 73
Page 73
Page 73
Pages 73-74
Page 73
Pages 73-74
Page 74
Pages 74-75
Page 74
Pages 74-75
Page 75
Page 75
07/05/2017
Benefits of using the construction Project Team when undertaking
additional works for the Climate Change Adaptation Study
Key roles and responsibilities
Client decision making process
Importance of solid Value Engineering and RDD processes
Page 75
Page 76
Pages76-77
Page 77
Key considerations taken from this Section have been noted below:











Through a comprehensive reflection process, ‘Lessons Learnt’ and ‘Best Practice’
guidelines can be derived for this and future projects
Future focus must be aimed at the key, commonly occurring project issues i.e.
overheating, heat loss, heat load factors and flooding
A Team of specialists are required to undertake a study such as this and not a single
individual. The strength of the Climate Change Adaptation Study is very much a sum
of its parts and therefore a reflection of the people and resources used to create it
In the case of the project delays it is possible to take a string of positives out of a
negative situation
Don’t take ‘standard practices’ for-granted, reflect on the results of the Study and
utilise your findings to develop a more robust methodology
Workshops and meetings only deal with the current situation and not the future
possibilities. Therefore it is important to review any decisions taken in conjunction
with the theoretical data
Theoretical proposals must be reviewed against actual dictates such as legislation,
Client requirements and project specifics/ variables
A Climate Change Adaptation Study should be instigated early enough in a
construction project for it to make a real impact on the design development
Important to identify key roles and responsibilities early in a project
Benefit in using the construction Project Team to undertake the work involved in a
Climate Change Adaptation Study as they have the knowledge base
Decisions determined via discussion i.e. communication is key
After reviewing these key considerations the Project Team determined to use theoretical
analysis to complement practical experience instead of viewing it as a separate item and in
doing so reap the benefits of combined learning. Although the Climate Change Adaptation
Study for St Pauls School wasn’t used to directly affect the specific design development, it
was used to generate a ‘Best Practice’ guide that Miller Construction (UK) Limited intend to
use in developing a generic pallet of materials and techniques that will form the basis of all
future construction schemes.
Despite the frustration experienced due to project delays, the Project Team turned this to its
advantage and utilised the additional time gained to further structure the study specifics and
strategy to be utilised, as well as to fully develop the eventual results achieved. This was
achieved through a number of workshops and co-ordination meetings, but was only effective
when the key roles and responsibilities were clearly defined and managed. One method
used to structure Client interaction and feedback was the RDD (Reviewable Design Data)
process and this benefited both parties.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:



Feasibility Study – Project Lead
Defining the Project Description – Project Lead
Concept Design – Project Design Team, (most specifically the architect and
mechanical engineer. Sub-team lead by the architect as the usual Project Lead
Designer)
10
07/05/2017









Climate Risk Assessment – Specialist (i.e. Institute of Energy and Sustainable
Development – De Montfort University, Leicester. Lead by the specialist, but
reporting directly to the Project Lead)
Specialist Design Input – Specialists (i.e. HSP Consulting. Lead by the various
specialists, but co-ordinated by and reporting directly to the Project Lead)
Concept Design Review/ Options Appraisal – Entire Project Team (co-ordinated by
and reporting directly to the Project Lead)
Quantitive Risk Assessment – Entire Project Team (co-ordinated by and reporting
directly to the Project Lead)
Re-Design – Entire Design Team (co-ordinated by and reporting directly to the
Project Lead)
Assessment of the Study’s ramifications in terms of the wider Construction Industry –
Project Lead
Valuations Pre and Post Adaptation – Project Quantity Surveyor (reporting directly to
the Project Lead)
Preparation of the Final Report – Project Lead
Dissemination of the Main Learning Points – Project Lead
Section Five further expands on the precedent set within Section Four and discusses how
the overall process and results might be applied to not only projects within the education
sector, but also to schemes in more diverse and varied areas of development and
construction.
Applicability to other buildings and building projects
Potential when prioritising GIFA isn’t such a strict project driver
External façade possibilities
Exposed concrete floor slabs
Renewable technologies
Public Sector:
Education
Healthcare
Defence
Specialist Projects
Pages 78-80
Page 78
Page 78
Page 78
Page 78
Page 79
Page 79
Page 79
Page 79
Page 79
Private Sector
Importance of maintenance
Limiting factors applicable to other buildings
Project specific criteria
Importance of reviewing specific project drivers and not merely generic
Principles
Design variables:
Drainage design
External levels
Passive shading
Budget
Cladding
Overhangs
Maximised thermal insulation
Exposed soffits
Renewable technologies and more efficient M&E
11
Page 80
Page 80
Page 80
Page 80
Page 81
Pages 81-82
Page 81
Page 81
Page 81
Page 81
Pages 81-82
Page 82
Page 82
Page 82
Page 82
07/05/2017
UK based buildings that might benefit from similar recommendations
Resources, tools and materials developed for providing adaptation
services
Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s ‘Design Manual’
Knowledge retention of the Climate Change Adaptation Study Team
Further needs in order to provide adaptation services
Importance of a fluid approach in the future
Importance of regarding Climate Change Adaptation Studies as a
valuable resource and not something to be merely ‘Value-Engineered’
out to save money
Conclusion
Pages 82-83
Pages 83-84
Page 83
Page 83
Page 84
Page 84
Page 84
Page 85
Through a further process of reflective discussion the Team determined the following key
elements for Section 5:





Generic principles/ recommendations from this Study could be further improved upon
if applied to a different sector, contract or project
Different project drivers could further improve upon the possibilities identified in this
Climate Change Adaptation Study
Profit needn’t be a restriction to adaptable design principles and can instead be
viewed as a positive selling point
The importance of a robust maintenance strategy cannot be understated
Project specific criteria applicable to this Climate Change Adaptation Study:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o



Secondary school project
Entirely new-build
Part of an existing building complex, in a live environment
Only partly addressing a number of potential existing problems
Located in a residential area, on a shared site with a large number of existing
mature trees
Located in a ‘city centre’ site in Leicester, in the Midlands
Involving a challenging budget
Part of a specific BSF ‘design and build’ contract structure
Part of a wider multi-phase project
Utilising a number of supply-chain agreements already in place
Using theoretical computer simulations
Requiring adherence to a number of key contract documents such as the
Authorities Requirements and the Contractors Proposals
Important to assess individual project specific criteria and not merely generic
principles, however sound they are
The generic nature of this Climate Change Adaptation Study makes it universally
applicable to almost all other projects, buildings and sectors as long as the specific
Project Teams place equal importance on project specific requirements etc
Climate Change Adaptation Studies should be seen as a valuable resource and not
merely something to be Value Engineered out of a scheme to save on the bottom line
Following the conclusion of the Climate Change Adaptation Study, Miller Construction (UK)
Limited used the findings included within this report to develop and re-work its existing
Design Manual. It also took steps to begin rolling out this information to all of the disciplines
within the business in an attempt to better inform all parties as to the importance of climate
change principles and design philosophy.
12
07/05/2017
Having been through the process, it was important to retain the key knowledge of the
Climate Change Adaptation Study Team within the business and these individuals were
utilised as ‘champions’ in order to cascade the information through the business in the most
effective method possible.
Despite the fact that Miller Construction (UK) Limited have reacted to the report’s findings in
order to maintain its position at the forefront of the UK construction industry, it also
recognises that fact that it cannot remain static in the development of adaptation principles.
This report will be used as a platform to build from and the company’s position will remain
fluid and flexible, not set in stone, so that it can investigate, accept and adopt new innovation
and ‘Best Practice’ whenever it is revealed in the future.
13
07/05/2017
FLOODING
Adaptation
Measure
Investigated
Recommended
Implemented
Comments
Beneficial
amendment of
existing external
levels
Yes
Yes
Yes*
*Only the levels
within the new
project redline
boundary were
amended
Permeable
external surfaces
Yes
Yes
Yes*
*Only the areas
within the new
project redline
boundary were
addressed
SUDS: pervious
pavements, filter
drains, silt removal
& detention basin
Yes
Yes
Yes
Expansive SUDS
technology was
introduced to the site
wide drainage
system
SUDS: Rainwater
Harvesting
Yes
Yes
No
The cost was
considered
excessive in terms
of the benefits
offered
SUDS: Ponds
Yes
No
No
Impossible due to
restricted space
SUDS: Swales
Yes
No
No
Impossible due to
restricted space
SUDS: Soakaways
Yes
No
No
Impossible due to
underlying clay
SUDS: Green
Roofs
Yes
No
No
The cost was
considered
excessive in terms
of the benefits
offered
SUDS: BioRetention
Yes
No
No
Impossible due to
restricted space
Improved drainage
runs
Yes
Yes
Yes*
*Only areas that
required amendment
for the new build
works were replaced
Improved
maintenance
regimes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The Client/ EndUser will be
responsible for
instigating an
improved
maintenance
regime, although it is
understood that this
has been agreed
and will be reflected
in the O&M Manuals
(Above) Table ES.1: Summary of Flooding adaptation measures investigated, recommended and
implemented for the St Paul’s RC School project
(Below) Table ES.2: Summary of Heating & Ventilation adaptation measures investigated,
recommended and implemented for the St Paul’s RC School project
14
07/05/2017
HEATING & VENTILATION
Adaptation
Measure
Investigated
Recommended
Implemented
Comments
Additional trees to
shade the building
Yes
Yes
No
Would have been
too expensive/ slow
to grow
Existing trees to
shade the building
Yes
Yes
No
Responding to the
Client’s Brief, areas
immediately
adjacent to the
building were
cleared of trees and
utilised for access
roads/ car parking
Solar control
glazing
Yes
Yes
No
Solar gain has been
controlled through
building orientation
and the use of blinds
Reflective external
surfaces
Yes
No
No
Thermal insulation
(greater than
Building Control)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Thermal mass –
internal surfaces
Yes
Yes
No
The design
requirements of the
Client prevented this
from being possible
Ventilation - Day
Yes
No
No
Training, control and
limitations on
openable areas
meant this was not
practicable
Ventilation - Night
Yes
No
No
Control, the cost of
automation and
reduced security
meant this was not
practicable
Exposed soffit
design
Yes
Yes
No
This was contrary to
the Client’s
requirements
Building roof
overhangs
Yes
Yes
Yes
Enhanced glazing
Yes
Yes
No
Cost prohibitive
Stack-effect design
Yes
No
No
Design was too far
advanced and the
cost too prohibitive
Renewable
technologies
Yes
Yes
Yes
Energy efficient
hardware
Yes
Yes
No
Cost prohibitive
Low heat emitting
computer
equipment
Yes
Yes
No
Cost prohibitive
Cost benefit
analysis
Yes
Yes
Yes
15
07/05/2017
1.0
Section 1: Building Profile
St Paul's Roman Catholic Comprehensive School and Performing Arts College, known
locally as St Paul's Catholic School, is a voluntary-aided Roman Catholic secondary school
and sixth form. The school is located on Spencefield Lane in Evington, which lies to the east
of Leicester city centre and accommodates approximately one thousand and fifty, 11-18 year
old students in Years 7-13.
Typical of its age; the school campus is large and sprawling, but due to later additions and
necessary expansion since it was originally constructed, the built elements are not as well
planned, located, or thought out as they might have been if they had been designed and
built at the same time. St Pauls also shares the campus with the Krishna-Avanti Primary
School, which operates as a Hindu free school on the former site of the grammar school at
Evington Hall. Indeed these two school buildings are physically linked and part of the
demolition and refurbishment works will be to separate the two schools and make good the
resultant building ‘scars’.
Despite its generous overall size, the school campus has several aspects that make the
construction project more challenging:
Firstly, it shares a single access road off Spencefield Lane with the Krishna-Avanti Primary
School, who further complicates matters as they operate different school opening hours.
This is the primary service route onto site and as such it creates a substantial logistics
problem in terms of site traffic, construction operations and the continued access and
maintenance of two schools that must remain live throughout the duration of the scheme.
Secondly, there are a number of very large, well established trees that presently grow in the
footprint of the new building. Planning permission has been given to remove these trees and
replace them with new specimens in more suitable locations, but great care must be taken
not to affect the water table and negatively influence the levels of shading and screening that
are currently enjoyed.
16
07/05/2017
Thirdly, as with most schools, car parking is considered to be at a premium and the new
build element of the works further complicates site logistics as it has been designed to sit on
the site of the existing main car park. Alternative car park provision has been allowed for and
in order to accommodate any risk of future flooding, SUDS design principles have been
utilised and adopted.
Finally, the demolition and making good of a substantial portion of the existing building
means that party wall issues, acoustic treatments, water-proofing, aesthetics, thermal heat
loss and shading all need to be factored into the final design solution.
Originally, the St Pauls School project was envisaged as being approximately 52%
refurbishment works and 48% new-build works, but this has changed due to the on-going
design development process and now it incorporates a much larger percentage of new-build
works. The final design solution consists of 95% new-build and just 5% refurbishment
works*, with a number of the existing buildings being demolished, and minimal refurbishment
of the remaining buildings, which is mainly associated with making good the areas where the
built elements have been demolished.
*It should be noted that these figures relate purely to the actual construction works. In terms of the
overall school complex as a whole, New-Build = 52%, Refurbishment Works = 3% and Areas Not
Touched At All = 45%
17
07/05/2017
1.1
Description
Figure 1.1: View of the existing St Pauls Catholic School from the shared entrance road/ car park
Like most schools, St Pauls has changed and expanded since it was originally built in 1945,
due to the constantly evolving needs of staff, pupils and government. Indeed elements of the
school can be dated between 1945 and 1966, while other areas were built post 1976.
Despite a variety of styles and periods of construction, the majority of the existing school has
been built over just two-storeys, presumably to maintain its discreet placement within the
residential neighbourhood. In addition to the main school building, there are also two
temporary accommodation blocks that have been added as a more fiscal means of
increasing capacity without complication.
The buildings are unexceptional and can be classified as being either ‘satisfactory’ or ‘poor’
in their current state. They are also greatly affected by major internal access and circulation
problems caused by a number of stepped level changes on each floor. In the case of
modern buildings, these issues would have been addressed through the use of suitable
ramps and/ or lifts, however the age of the buildings and the constraints of the existing
design mean that this has not been possible at St Pauls.
The construction pallet for the existing school buildings is in the main fairly traditional,
utilising brick and block façades with flat roof construction above. There is also a distinct lack
of innovative construction materials and techniques which further lend the existing buildings
to upgrade and overhaul, if not complete replacement.
Internally, the school utilises a natural ventilation system, which would be considered
desirable if it was subject to today’s modern design standards. Unfortunately, this is not the
case and there is a significant problem with heating and ventilation throughout the entire
school which leaves the rooms very hot during the summer months and very cold during the
winter.
18
07/05/2017
Minimal insulation has been installed within the external walls and the dated glazing offers
little in the way of heat retention, or performance comparable to modern construction UValues. This problem is so severe that at present the school utilises no less than twenty-nine
boilers on site in order to maintain a tolerable ambient temperature.
The majority of the existing classrooms are also too small to facilitate modern classroom
sizes and teaching requirements and when compared with the DCSF model school
accommodation schedule, the results highlight a shortfall of classroom accommodation in
the region of 620m². Overall, the overriding impression is one of a very tired, worn out
school, with poor access and circulation for the disabled and a definite need upgrading and
modernisation.
Although the school is on top of a gentle ridge which lies to the western side of the city, the
actual school site is fairly flat and as a consequence it suffers from serious flooding when
subjected to heavy rain. A significant part of construction works have therefore been
identified for enhanced and improved drainage.
St Pauls School has a typical secondary school occupancy pattern, with some out-of-hours
use, and even though new facilities will be added as part of the new-build works, the
frequency and duration of these extra-curricular activities are not expected to change a great
deal. Also, as with most schools; during the period from late July to the end of August, the
school will be mainly unoccupied as this constitutes the school’s summer vacation. Although
this coincides with when most heat waves are likely to occur, heat waves can also occur at
other times of the year, and there is no guarantee that the timing of the summer vacation will
stay the same over the lifetime of the building. With this in mind it would not be acceptable to
ignore excessive heat and ventilation requirements during the detailed design development
period.
Figure 1.2: Extract of Planning Drawing SP-L-201 ‘Existing Topographical Survey’ Rev A – showing
the existing building mass, overall site layout and extensive tree planting that helps to make the
school so unobtrusive in its residential context
19
07/05/2017
Despite the poor state of its existing buildings, The St Pauls School scheme has been
subject to a number of constraints due to its limited CAPEX. When the school was originally
identified as part of the Leicester BSF scheme, the initial intent for the BSF funding was to
provide education transformation, however the funding is not sufficient for a whole new build
project and as a result, Leicester City Council and Miller Construction (UK) Limited were
forced to re-think their approach.
20
07/05/2017
1.2
Design Stage
Figure 1.3: View of the proposed St Pauls Catholic School from the shared entrance road
Despite the best intentions of the Client and the Main Contractor, the St Pauls School project
has been heavily delayed due to funding problems and the decision to change the direction
of the design focus from refurbishment of the existing buildings, to mainly new-build works.
The Climate Change Adaption Study began as a feasibility study, (with associated team
briefings and surveys) in June 2012 when the design was still at RIBA Stage C/D, (Stage 2/3
in line with the proposals to amend this to reflect the Construction Industry Council’s (CIC)
numbering strategy). The study has progressed and developed, following nine distinct
project milestones over a period of twelve months until it was completed with the design at
RIBA Stage K (CIC Stage 6). Although the work done on the Study has not been used to
directly influence the St Paul’s RC School design, it has allowed Miller Construction (UK) Ltd
to generate a compendium of information that will inform best practice guidelines within the
company and help to benefit future developments and project design ideals.
Project Milestones
 Feasibility study, including team briefing and surveys
Jun – Aug 2012
 Familiarise team with project concept and scope
Jun – Aug 2012
 Climate Risk Assessment: computer simulation modelling
Sep – Nov 2012
 Options appraisal on promising adaptation measures
Sep – Nov 2012
21
07/05/2017
 Quantitive risk assessment and options appraisal considering
design challenges
Nov – Feb 2013
 Design work & redrafting drawings
Mar – Apr 2013
 Report preparation for Client & TSB of options appraisal and
plan of detailed design work
Mar – May 2013
 Valuations pre and post implementing adaptation measures
Apr – May 2013
 Dissemination of the main learning points
May – Jun 2013
The building simulations have been organised to run alongside the development of the
design, and the modelling parameters that were used for the simulations have been
summarised in Table 1.1. As noted earlier in this report, the emphasis has now been put on
the new-build works, with far less scope for the refurbishment of the retained estate
elements. This new direction has meant that the Design Team have focussed its efforts on
the new-build works almost exclusively and this is where the greatest scope for adaptation
can be determined. In a similar fashion, we have decided to concentrate our simulation
exercises on the new-build areas only.
As can be seen with Figure 1.3 above, a substantial new three storey building will be
constructed to the south-east of the existing complex on the site of the existing main car
park. Although the new building will stand alone from the main school complex, it will be
linked to the rest of the school through its sympathetic use of materials and considerate
design. It has also been designed as a bold, modern welcome to St Pauls School,
incorporating the new main entrance, as well as a dedicated pupil entrance and standing out
as the key school building that greets visitors and pupils alike after they have travelling up
the shared main entrance drive.
As this will be the first major structure that exceeds two-storeys, the architect has specified a
change in façade material at higher level. The ground and first floors will be clad in traditional
brickwork to better emulate the existing school buildings. However, the second floor has
been stepped back and clad in lightweight cladding elements that allow for an understated
and slightly subdued overall appearance, which was considered vital in responding to the
requirements of the Client, local residents and overall ambiance.
Curtain walling elements and comparable punched aluminium windows complete the façade
and the roof has been designed primarily as a flat structure, clad in modern single-ply
sheeting. In order to maximise the space available and in order to provide the greatest
usable floor area for the Client and the End-User, the main plant equipment has been
located within a stand-alone ‘satellite’ plant room, with the larger complementary plant such
as air handling units and sizeable duct runs being located on the main roof, hidden from
onlookers by sympathetic sight lines and small parapet upstands.
Each floor has been designed to be flat and the ground floor utilises a level threshold to
make it far more suitable for ambulant and non-ambulant disabled visitors and pupils. The
shortfall in classroom accommodation has also been addressed, with a full suite of rooms
that have been designed in line with modern guidelines, sizes and adjacencies. By working
as part of a wider, specialist Design Team, the architect, structural and M&E engineers have
also developed a building that incorporates the highest quality of fixtures and finishes, as
well as the latest advances in modern technology. The greatest challenge being the need to
specify and install mechanical and electrical elements such as wireless internet connection
and high performance electrical cabling, while still falling within the remits of the cost plan.
22
07/05/2017
In order to improve upon the very poor heating and ventilation characteristics of the existing
buildings, highly efficient and sizeable insulation elements have been included within the
floors, cavity walls and roof construction.
The overall façade construction has been designed in line with ambitious U-Values and airleakage rates in order to make the new building as energy efficient as possible. The M&E
designers have also utilised advanced natural, mechanical and mixed-mode ventilation
technology and heating that is provided by a mixture of air-blown sources and efficient
radiator panels. Finally, a substantial two-storey canopy has been utilised in conjunction with
internal blinds to the southernmost elevations to provide not only a visually impressive,
aesthetic feature, but also much needed solar shading and protection from excessive heat
gain.
Figure 1.4:
Proposed Site Plan
taken from the early
design development
stages. The purple
area represents the
existing
retained
estate
and
the
green area, the
new-build element
of
the
works.
Although the site
plan has changed
slightly
as
the
design
has
progressed,
it
remains
fundamentally
the
same
Although the Client’s budget has been used to maximise the building elements, considerable
work has been undertaken to improve the external landscaping design. Access, coach dropoff, disabled parking provision and visitors parking spaces have been located at the front of
the building, close to the new main entrance. Staff car parking has been designed to wrap
around the building and make full use of the ‘back-of-house’ area in order to maximise
security and the overall space available on site.
The landscape architects and civil engineers have also worked hard to design external
levels, sympathetic drainage runs and overall SUDS design technology to improve the
existing site flood characteristics. Finally, additional planting in the form of shrubs, bushes
and trees have been allowed for so that those that had to be removed to facilitate the new
building will be reinstated, and the screening and shading that made the original site so
elegant have been retained and improved upon.
The original design concept allowed for extensive remodelling and refurbishment to the
majority of the existing school buildings, with only a small amount of new-build works.
Although the focus is now very much on the new building and works to the retained estate
will be mainly restricted to aesthetic treatments and upgrades; the antiquated and very
ineffective heating will be renovated with new controls and fewer boilers.
23
07/05/2017
Where existing internal walls will now become external due to the demolition works, these
will be ‘made good’ and new insulation in line with current standards (Building Regulations
Part L2b 2010) will be installed. Although the Client has yet to fully determine any
enhancements to the contracted scope of works, there is also still the possibility that some
new glazing elements may be installed to further improve the overall performance of the
retained estate.
The existing St Paul’s RC School shares a site with the Krishna Avanti free school. As with
most dated school faculties, both schools utilise a number of main and subsidiary buildings
to deliver their curriculum. This is partially by design and partially due to the necessity of
providing an expanding classroom requirement, within a limited budget and an inability to
add indefinitely to the main buildings. Indeed, the works that comprise the Leicester BSF
Scheme are restricted almost entirely to a new building and without a physical connection to
the existing structure, can be said to further add to the collection of buildings that make up
the overall School development.
That being said, the School is very much a sum of its parts and not a collection of standalone, satellite businesses. Without each individual structure, St Paul’s simply couldn’t
function as a School and it is due to this that the Climate Change Adaptation Study report
will concentrate on St Paul’s as a School in its entirety and not as part of a larger, more
diverse development.
The layout plans for both the retained estate and the new building have been included within
Appendix 1A.
24
07/05/2017
1.3
Adaptation Study
This Climate Change Adaptation Study is being run alongside the typical design
development and project progression associated with the St Pauls School project, where the
contractor has been appointed on a design and build basis to develop the design in line with
the Employers Requirements and Contractors Proposal documents to the satisfaction of all
parties. Typically in the case of Design & Build contracts the design is progressed to a basic
level and the contractor appointed as Preferred Bidder. At this time, the design is developed
through negotiation with the Client until it has reached a state conducive with that required in
order to enable Financial Close. Any outstanding design items are either progressed to
‘Construction’ status by the contractor using due diligence and professional competence, or
included as part of the project RDD (Reviewable Design Data) where it is further developed
by both the Client and contractor.
The technical, analytical element of the Study has been sub-contracted to De Montfort
University (DMU) who are carrying out the building simulation work and reporting the results
back to Miller Construction (UK) Limited through meetings and formal reports to the Design
Team.
Miller Construction (UK) Limited have undertaken to review the theoretical aspect of design
adaptation in terms of the variables available for consideration during the design,
procurement and construction aspects of this and other similar construction projects.
Through the expertise of the Design and wider Project Teams, all aspects of sustainable
design will be assessed and analysed, as well as potential adaptation more specifically
suited to improving flood risk, overheating and inadequate ventilation.
Miller Construction (UK) Limited will also assess the theoretical data generated in terms of
real life project constraints such as Client aspirations, restricted budgets, availability,
practicality and programme. Although this Study will not be used to directly influence the
detailed design development process being undertaken for the St Pauls School scheme, this
live project will be used to generate realistic recommendations that can be applied to future
education schemes, as well as more broadly to projects in other areas of construction and
development. The recommendations and overall conclusion derived from this Study will be
assessed by Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s Senior Management Team, who will use it to
determine how they might better structure the development of their future projects to achieve
a more sustainable and adaptive overall design solution in the short, medium and long term.
As with any construction project, managing Client expectations, a challenging budget and
the need to adapt to current and future climate conditions is not an easy task. It is widely
accepted that in order to adapt to hot summer weather, a design that incorporates
substantial thermal mass would be required. However, the current design proposal for
lightweight cladding to the facades will not provide this level of thermal mass. Miller
Construction (UK) Limited have responded to the Client’s requirement for an aesthetic
solution that provides interest and understated high-level construction, but at the same time
have restricted the lightweight cladding to just 13.48% of the overall vertical façade in an
attempt to find a mutually acceptable balance*.
*It should be noted that this figure relates purely to the Trespa cladding that has been utilised on the
vertical facades of the new building. When the amount of lightweight cladding is assessed in line with
the overall building envelope this figure is as low as 7.04%. A table showing the breakdown of the
external envelope elements and their percentages has been included on page 25 as Table 1.1
25
07/05/2017
The use of false, (suspended) ceilings within a large part of the final design solution will
reduce the thermal mass characteristics of the new building even further. A great deal of
time was spent considering this problem, but eventually the need to provide a discrete void
for M&E service runs without a plethora of exposed ductwork, cabling and plant being fixed
directly to an exposed concrete soffit or pre-formed metal tray was considered preferable to
the Client.
The design of a feature canopy will provide an aesthetic aspect to a project that is restricted
by a very tight budget and unable to include an excessive amount of purely decorative
design elements. In addition the canopy will protect part of the glazing to the south elevation,
but there remain large areas of glazing without apparent shading. This was accepted by the
various Project Team members, but there was neither the money, nor the building area to
provide a more expansive canopy solution. To overcome the solution, the M&E engineers
undertook a detailed thermal model analysis of the entire building. They explored the
variables that could be applied in order to achieve the comfortable internal temperatures and
anti-glare requirements of the building occupants, before demonstrating that a combination
of over-shading from the canopy and nearby mature trees, internal blinds and building
orientation would satisfy all of the requirements.
In order to address the potential flooding issues, the civil engineer and landscape architect
developed suitable external levels to prevent water from pooling, or falling towards the
building. A detailed FRA was commissioned and the results used to ensure that the new
building was located in the most optimum position on site. Extensive additional drainage
runs, permeable hard landscaping finishes and SUDS principles were also used in order to
produce a design that was as responsive to the site conditions and findings of the Study as
possible. These designs were even ratified through independent calculations, separate to
the Climate Change Adaptation Study.
Theoretical results and analysis can be used to determine ‘Best Practice’ guidelines, but the
realities of real life construction projects mean that these policies and procedures constantly
need to evolve, adapt and change. Miller Construction (UK) Limited will use the information
generated by this Study to better develop its future sustainability and adaptation strategies
so that it is better placed to apply the results on subsequent schemes for the benefit of all
the involved parties.
Material
Wall / Roof
Percentage
Area (m2)
Single Ply Roof
Hot Melt Roof
Rooflights
Roof Totals
O/A Percentage
1861.54
706.22
17.46
2585.22
72.01%
27.32%
0.68%
100.00%
34.41%
13.06%
0.32%
Trespa
Brickwork
Glazing
Walls Totals
380.6
1559.2
884.4
2824.2
13.48%
55.21%
31.32%
100.00%
7.04%
28.82%
16.35%
O/A Totals
5409.42
200.00%
100.00%
Table 1.1: Table reflecting the materials used in the external façade and their relevant percentages in
terms of the wall/ roof construction and also the overall building façade, (walls and roof)
26
07/05/2017
2.0
Section 2: Climate Risk Assessment
As noted above, the key issues that affect the building and are considered to be the greatest
risk factors associated with climate change are; flooding, overheating and inadequate
ventilation. To fully appraise the extent of the issues faced by the development of the St
Paul’s School, as well as similar projects in this and other parts of the country, it has been
decided to address flooding as one issue and heating and ventilation as another. Risk
factors and specific criteria that will need to drive the design and adaptation process will be
detailed in Section 2, and the potential means of addressing the issues will be explored and
expanded upon in Section 3.
Flooding
The fact that there have been recorded flooding problems in the past at the existing St Pauls
School site has been touched upon in the previous section and in order to propose an
adaptation strategy, it is first important to fully understand the cause of the flooding.
In recent years unusually severe rainfall events have been recorded across the entire United
Kingdom, (with 2012 being regarded as the second wettest year on record, despite having
experienced a very dry winter.) This suggests that flooding may increase in future years and
will require Design Teams to consider the problem suitably early in the design development
process. Rather than merely addressing the immediate problem of flooding at the St Pauls
School site, it is therefore equally important to ensure that a robust and adaptive design is
developed, so that future climate change can be addressed without the need for extensive
re-design and additional construction works in subsequent years.
Figure 2.1:
Environment
Agency
Floodplain
Mapping,
(extract from
the
Environment
Agency
website.) Key
floodplain
areas
are
shown in blue
and
this
extract ably
demonstrates
that the St
Pauls School
site is located
well
away
from
any
recognised
sources
of
flooding
27
07/05/2017
With a history of flooding having been identified, Miller Construction (UK) Limited
commissioned HSP Consulting to undertake a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) for the existing
St Pauls School site and the proposed new development. The initial FRA indicated that the
site sat within an area classified as ‘Flood Zone 1’ – Low Risk. This means that there is an
annual probability of fluvial flooding of less than 1 in 1000. Miller Construction (UK) Limited
also contacted Severn Trent Water, who checked the Flood Register for the area and they
confirmed that there were no recent reports of flooding problems in the vicinity of the St
Pauls School site.
Further investigation confirmed that there was no known flood risk associated with ground
water in this area, and that the site was not considered to be at risk of flooding from overland
flow entering the site from the surrounding areas.
Based on this data and the fact that PPS 25, (a Flood Risk Report produced by the
Department of Local Government) utilises sequential testing to show that a development of
this type is appropriate in this area, it is clear that the flooding reported at St Pauls School
must be being caused by something other than climatic conditions*.
Copies of the HSP Flood Risk Assessment and Flood Risk Addendum have been included
within Appendix 2A of this report.
Analysis of the topographical survey information, (included in Appendix 2B) and a visual site
inspection revealed that the ground floor levels of the existing new reception and the existing
sports halls were substantially lower than the neighbouring car park and impermeable
playground area.
Figure 2.2:
Photograph
clearly
showing that
the existing
School
reception is
substantially
lower
than
the
neighbouring
car park
*It should be noted that although PPS 25 demonstrates that the development of a new school building
in this area is appropriate, the fact that it is an educational building means that it is classified as being
‘more vulnerable’
It is also worth noting that although still entirely relevant, PPS 25 in in the process of being replaced
by the more expansive National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) document
28
07/05/2017
These levels varied from 500mm to 700mm and despite the inclusion of two strip drains at
the top and bottom of the main entrance stairs, water ingress continued to be a problem with
water merely washing off the impermeable surrounding surfaces and swamping the existing
drainage provision.
Figure
2.3:
Photograph
providing
a
closer view of
the recessed
main entrance
and the strip
drain
provision
currently
installed
as
flood
protection
Figure
2.4:
Photograph
demonstrating
the slope of
the
ground
towards
the
existing
Sports
Hall
and
the
overall level
discrepancy
allowing
rainwater runoff to flow
towards and
even into the
existing
building
29
07/05/2017
Existing level differences between the buildings and the external topography clearly have a
negative effect on surface water ingress, but the level of impermeable surfacing utilised on
the site also has a significant effect.
HSP Consulting calculated that the total amount of existing impermeable elements on the
site totalled 13,095m2:
6,705m2
6,390m2
Buildings
Access Roads, Footpaths and Playgrounds
By using a rainfall rate of 50mm/ hour for a storm within a year return period,* the
impermeable area on the existing site is calculated to generate 182l/s run-off (2.78 x 50 x
1.3095).
This is a significant figure in itself, but when you consider that the Environment Agency has
limited the discharge rate for surface water run-off from the St Pauls School site to just 16l/s,
based on a 1 in 30 year storm event, future adaptation will need to allow for a substantial
amount of on-site attenuation.
Other factors that complicate the drainage design and further serve to exacerbate the flood
risk potential are ground conditions and inadequate maintenance.
Despite best practice guidelines and HSP Consulting’s recommendations in the FRA, it will
not be possible to utilise soakaway or infiltration principles at St Pauls as the geological
survey reports indicate a proliferation of clay substrate and as such a very poor natural
drainage medium.
Figure 2.5 (above) and 2.6 (right): Two images that
effectively show how the existing drainage ditches have either
been filled in and ‘re-claimed’ by local residents, or left to
become overgrown and wholly inefficient
*This figure is considered to be the industry standard by professional consultants such as HSP
Consulting and although its origins are somewhat sketchy, it is thought to have been derived from the
Climate Flood Studies Report data
30
07/05/2017
The existing drainage ditches that border a large part of the playing fields perimeter were
also explored in case they could be adapted to suit the current project requirements.
Unfortunately, since their initial creation, local residents have filled in a large area of these
ditches, which along with excessive silting due to insufficient previous maintenance regimes
has meant that even where they do function as intended, the capacity is now insufficient to
allow them to operate as surface water drainage conduits.
Further site investigation revealed that the existing below ground drainage provision was
also in poor condition and through a series of meetings with the resident teaching body; it
was also possible to ascertain that rainwater actually backed up in the pipes and over-spilled
into the building via rodding eyes and other points of potential weakness. A CCTV camera
survey of the existing drainage runs would be required to fully determine the extent of the
problem, but these findings would suggest that the current system has degraded and failed
in places. This will in turn greatly limit the capacity of the overall system and lead to backing
up and internal flooding.
Following a detailed review of the potential climate risk factors associated with the drainage
design and future flooding events, it is clear that there are a number of key areas that must
be addressed. The adaptation strategy required to effectively overcome and manage these
factors will be further detailed in Section 3.
Heating and Ventilation
Evidence collated from recently completed school projects that have incorporated the high
levels of insulation required by the Building Regulations show that overheating and
inadequate ventilation is a major problem with many of the completed buildings that have
been assessed1 and2. This is also an issue that has been observed historically in many older
post-war schools due to the large areas of un-shaded glazing used in their design and
construction. Curiously enough, although the contributing factors are very different, the
resultant problem and need for adaptation within design and construction practices is the
same for new and existing school buildings.
Climatic data has been provided as part of the Section 2.1 Datasets in order to provide a
base understanding of the overheating/ ventilation design risks associated with modern
construction practices. By utilising this environmental data we can initially assess the
contributing macro factors that will inform a building’s design, before we move on to consider
the micro factors associated with the building itself.
Overheating is exacerbated by having a high concentration of people in classrooms, and in
recent years the large amount of IT equipment necessitated by technological advancement,
changes in teaching practices and personal user preference have resulted in unwanted and
unmanageable heat gains in many key areas.
1
Amrita Dasgupta , Antonis Prodromou & Dejan Mumovic (2012) Operational versus designed
performance of low carbon schools in England: Bridging a credibility gap, HVAC&R Research, 18:1-2,
37-50
2
See http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10789669.2011.614318
31
07/05/2017
When this is coupled with the fact that climate change characteristics are resulting in a
warmer climate overall, the widespread expectation is for a dramatic reduction in heating
demand as opposed to an increased, or static requirement. The main factor that must be
addressed by M&E engineers in modern building design is therefore the provision of suitable
ventilation and not heating provision.
As explained in the Application, the design priority for modelling theoretical building
adaptation is therefore summer comfort.
In terms of hours of overheating in classrooms, the St Pauls School design uses a
combination of natural, mechanical and mixed-mode ventilation. The majority of the new
building is managed by the mixed-mode system, with only a relatively small percentage of
rooms being exclusively natural, or mechanically ventilated.
Mixed-mode ventilation refers to a hybrid approach to space conditioning that uses a
combination of natural ventilation from operable windows, (either manually or automatically
controlled) and mechanical systems that include air distribution equipment and refrigeration
equipment for cooling.
Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s Design Team has worked hard to produce a well-designed
mixed-mode building beginning with intelligent facade design in order to minimize cooling
loads. The system integrates the use of air conditioning when and where it is necessary, with
the use of natural ventilation whenever it is feasible or desirable, to maximize comfort while
avoiding the significant energy use and operating costs of year-round air conditioning.
Summer comfort is a significant problem in modern schools even in the current climate and
this is something that is only expected to get worse. New highly insulated buildings with
lightweight walls are particularly susceptible, so require adaptation measures such as solar
shading, improved ventilation and more thermal mass. This unfortunately has to be balanced
by the realities of the economic climate, the Client’s brief and budget and the directives given
within the statutory documentation and guidelines; all of which make the task of producing
an adaptive overall solution even more difficult.
Figure 2.7: Simple pictorial example of the operating philosophy behind a concurrent mixed-mode
ventilation system
32
07/05/2017
Design criteria that must to be adhered to by any building contractor has been detailed
below as a further example of the challenges facing the Project Team associated with the St
Pauls School project:
Heating
The heating systems shall be designed and capable of maintaining the minimum internal air
temperatures as stated in the Building Bulletin 873. The sizing of the heating system shall be
in accordance with CIBSE Guides4.
Overheating
The following criteria shall be met to prevent overheating in compliance with Approved
Document L25:
The performance standards for summertime overheating in compliance with Approved
Document L25 for teaching and learning areas are:


There should be no more than 120 hours when the air temperature in the classroom
rises above 28°C
The average internal to external temperature difference should not exceed 5°C (i.e.
the internal air temperature should be no more than 5°C above the external air
temperature on average)
The internal air temperature when the space is occupied should not exceed 32°C
The following design criteria will be used to assess the thermal comfort in terms of
overheating for the non-teaching rooms without cooling for a whole year:
An occupied space is deemed to be overheating if the dry resultant temperature
exceeds 28°C for more than 1% of the annual occupied times. This assessment uses
the Design Summer Year (DSY) weather file for Nottingham as required by CIBSE
guidance, as the benchmark criteria stated in CIBSE Guide A, table 1.86.
3
DfES. 2003 Building Bulletin 87 Guidelines for environmental design in schools. London, UK:
Department for Education and Skills
4
See https://www.cibseknowledgeportal.co.uk/cibse-guides (subscription required)
5
See http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/buildingregulations/approveddocuments/partl/approved
(chargeable download required)
6
See
https://www.cibseknowledgeportal.co.uk/component/dynamicdatabase/?layout=publication&revision_i
d=82&st=Guide+a (subscription required)
33
07/05/2017
Ventilation
The ventilation shall be provided by means of openable windows/ mechanical extract
systems in compliance with Building Bulletin 101, (7 and 8) in order to achieve the following
CO2 concentrations in all occupied teaching spaces:



At any occupied time, the occupants should be able to lower the concentration of
carbon dioxide to 1000ppm
The average concentration of carbon dioxide should not exceed 1500ppm
The maximum carbon dioxide should not exceed 5000ppm during the occupied
teaching day
Where mixed-mode ventilation shall be provided to all internal occupied areas, the rate of
ventilation shall be as stated in the Building Bulletin 1017 and8.
7
DfES. 2006. Building Bulletin 101 Ventilation of school buildings. London, UK: Department for
Education and Skills.(updated 2012)d
8
See
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/schoolscapital/buildingsanddesign/a0058229/v
entilation-and-indoor-air-quality-in-schools-building-bulletin-101
34
07/05/2017
2.1
Datasets
As part of the technical simulations being run by De Montfort University, this project will
utilise the weather data produced in the Prometheus Project at the University of Exeter. At
present there are no standard sets of weather data for current or future climates, as
historically different datasets that have been produced by different research groups have
proven inconsistent. However, the adaptation analysis for the St Pauls School scheme is not
particularly sensitive to the details of the weather years, provided that they reflect hotter
summer weather in the future. This is because the measures being discussed and analysed
will remain effective under a range of conditions.
The Prometheus set is one of the few ‘off the shelf’ sets available, and it is already in the
right format for the Energy Plus simulation system that will be used with these simulations.
Design/
Modelling
Aspect
Geometry/
Room Usage
Occupancy
Patterns
Details
Defined and set up in the model
A standard school day has been used. Actual occupancy will remain unknown until
the building is handed over and operational
Internal Gains
Standard patterns for schools will be utilised
Constructions
The detail drawings of the main construction elements have been used to define
dimensions and typical thermal properties for the materials given
Weather Data

Existing Climate Data - the CIBSE Test Reference Year (TRY) has been defined
as an average year for the nearest site, Nottingham and used for initial testing
and design development

Existing Climate Data – the Prometheus Project Design Summer Year (DSY)
(based on CIBSE DSY definition) has been defined as a ‘hot summer’ for the
nearest site, Leicester and used for initial testing and optimisation

For statistical analysis, 60 future weather files for Leicester have been sourced
from the Prometheus Project. These included 2030, 2050 and 2080 weather
files, with both medium and high emission scenarios. Also all available
probabilities were included (10, 33, 50, 66 and 90) as were both TRY and DSY
weather years. This provides a wide statistical set of outputs for risk analysis at
varying probability levels
Table 2.1: This table defines the modelling parameters that have been used for the Climate Change
Adaptation Study
Weather data
Two main types of ‘weather year’ are widely used in building design in the UK; these are the
Test Reference Year (TRY) and the Design Summer Year (DSY), as provided by CIBSE.
The standard TRY is a set of twelve real, ‘average’ months selected from a recent twenty
year set of recorded data; these come from several different years.
The months are selected as, ‘average’ based on; temperature, solar radiation and wind, with
equal weighting applied to each.
35
07/05/2017
The DSY is a single real year, selected on the basis of the average temperature between
April and September and reflective of a period that is warmer over a period of 1 in 8 years.
The weather outside these months is irrelevant as the year is intended mainly for summer
design. The same selection procedure can be applied to artificially generated future years,
provided there is a large enough sample to produce the statistics required.
For future weather analysis using building simulation, a set of weather years with hourly
data, at a known level of probability was required. The UK Climate Projections 2009 (UKCP)
website9 provides a large amount of data and statistical summary, but does not provide
weather files for hourly data. However, using the future climate results and weather
generator provided by the UKCP, various hourly weather files have been produced. One of
the most widely used sets is from the Prometheus project10 at the University of Exeter, which
provides weather years for a wide range of timescales, probability levels and greenhouse
gas emission scenarios:
“The
PROMETHEUS project has produced a number of future weather files which can be
used to 'future-proof' buildings against predicted climate change. The files were created
using the UKCP09 weather generator, and are available for download for free from this
website, subject to terms and conditions. The weather files are currently available for 45
locations as indicated by the map on the right, 3 time periods and 2 emissions scenarios.”
The weather files shown in Table 2.2 were used in the building simulations for this project.
There are four factors which differentiate these files; Time Period, Emission Scenario,
Probability, and Type of Weather (average or design summer year, as described above).
Time Period
Four time periods were used in order to generate the climate scenario model; Present
Climate, 2030s, 2050s and 2080s. The Prometheus file was used to compile actual climate
data for the present day in order to create consistency with the way the other (future)
weather years were produced.
Emission Scenario
The three future scenarios for greenhouse gas emission levels that were selected were
those used in the UK Climate Projections published in 2009; Low (known as SRES B1),
Medium (known as A1B) and High (known as A1F1). In this context a scenario is described
as:
“A plausible representation of the future development of emissions of substances
(e.g. greenhouse gases and aerosols that can influence global climate. These
representations are based on a coherent and internally consistent set of assumptions about
determining factors (such as demographic and socio-economic development, technological
change) and their key relationships.”
It should be noted that, no probability is associated with the scenarios, but that they are not
considered equally likely; in fact it is very unlikely that any will be realised.
9
See http://ukclimateprojections-ui.defra.gov.uk/ui/start/start.php
10
See http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/research/energy-environment/cee/projects/prometheus/
36
07/05/2017
The emissions are shown in Figure 2.1 as solid lines; the dashed lines are scenarios used in
the earlier (2002) set of predictions.
Figure 2.1: IPCC climate projections used in defining weather years. Source: UK Climate
Projections11
Probability
While emission scenarios are not associated with any probability, within each scenario it is
possible to define probabilistic weather years fairly precisely. Such weather years have been
produced by the Prometheus project, corresponding to the present day TRY and DSY
weather years. The process is somewhat complex and explained in a journal paper12, but in
essence the procedure is as follows:
i)
11
Run the UKCP09 weather generator in order to generate one hundred samples of 30
years of hourly future weather data for a given decade. Choose a location, (the 25
km grid square for Leicester in this case) and an emission scenario. Each of the one
hundred samples is randomly selected from a distribution of 10,000 sets of climate
realisations produced from UKCP09, and each sample of 30 years is equally likely
See http://ukclimateprojections.defra.gov.uk/21699
12
Eames M, T Kershaw and Coley D, On the creation of future probabilistic design weather years
from UKCP09, Building Serv. Eng. Res. Technol. 32,2 (2011) pp. 127–142
37
07/05/2017
ii) Use pre-determined variables that are already available and have been provided in
order to calculate any missing variables within the model i.e. wind speed, wind
direction, air pressure and cloud cover etc
iii) Generate TRY and DSY files, one of each 30 year sample, using the same method
as for current weather years (i.e. one hundred TRYs and one hundred DSYs)
iv) Order the one hundred TRY and DSY data according to ascending monthly mean
temperature, in separate months
v) Use point-wise intervals to choose the relevant percentiles required
vi) Convert the weather files into the format required by building thermal simulation
packages (in this instance, EnergyPlus)
In step four, for every month, the mean monthly temperature is ordered and complete
months, (with their other weather variables) at the required percentile are selected. It should
be noted that; 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles are used in this instance. The months with the
corresponding hourly time series are then joined together to form the future weather year for
each percentile.
For example, to create the ten percentile TRY, select the 10th coldest January, February etc.
from the one hundred Januarys, Februarys etc. and join then together to make a complete
year.
Similarly, the median (50th percentile) year is formed by selecting the 50th January, February
etc. in the rankings. While these years are physically unrealistic, (in the sense that no real
year is ever consistently cold, warm or average at a fixed level every month) it does enable
designs to be evaluated at a known level of risk. This is also the same approach used for
current TRYs and DSYs, except that these are at just single probability levels – average for
TRY (corresponding to 50th percentile) and 1 year in 8 exceedence for DSYs.
The percentile values can be interpreted as follows for a given decade and emission
scenario, (with the caveat that in real years there would be much more variation between
months) for TRY and DSY respectively:





10th percentile – 9 out of 10 TRY/ DSY years would be warmer, 1 in 10 colder
33rd percentile – 2 out of 3 TRY/ DSY years would be warmer, 1 in 3 colder
50thpercentile (median) – 5 out of 10 TRY/ DSY years would be warmer, 5 in 10
colder
66th percentile – 1 out of 3 TRY/ DSY years would be warmer, 2 in 3 colder
90th percentile – 1 out of 10 TRY/ DSY years would be warmer, 9 in 10 colder
It should be noted though, that the DSY is already a ‘1 year in 8’ warmer, so only 1 in 80 (10
x 8) of all years for that decade would be warmer than the 90 percent DSY.
In terms of risk, the 10th percentile level could be defined as the ‘nearly smallest change’
future climate, in that there is a 90% chance that it will be warmer. The median, or ‘middle’
level defined as the level that corresponds to current design practice, with historic TRY and
DSY years, and the 90th percentile level seen as carrying only a conservative amount of risk,
as designing to these figures would be akin to designing for the near-worst future climate i.e.
there would be only a 10% chance of a higher level of warming.
38
07/05/2017
Emission Scenario
Period
Probability %
Type of year
Historic
Present day
50
TRY, DSY
Low, Medium, High
2030’s
10, 33, 50, 66, 90
TRY, DSY
2050’s
2080’s
Table 2.2: This table reflects the combinations of factors that were utilised in order to generate the
weather years used in our simulations. N.B. For present day, no emission scenario and only median
probability was utilised
The following figures show summaries of the monthly statistics for different sets of weather
years. These are ‘box and whisker’ plots. The middle line shows the median value for the
month, and the blocks extend down to the lower quartile value, (75% of values exceed this)
and up to the upper quartile value, (25% of values exceed this) while the ‘whiskers’ extend
down and up the minimum and maximum values in the month respectively. All the plots
show dry bulb temperature only.
Figure 2.2: Box and whisker plots for current weather Prometheus TRY (light grey) and DSY (dark
grey) years
39
07/05/2017
Figure 2.3: Box and whisker plots for Prometheus TRY for high emissions scenario, and various
probabilities (percentiles)
40
07/05/2017
Figure 2.4: Box and whisker plots for Prometheus DSY for medium emissions scenario, and various
probabilities (percentiles)
41
07/05/2017
It is interesting to note that for the near-worst case 90th percentile, the July TRY
temperatures are fairly similar in terms of the high emissions TRY (average year) and the
medium emissions DSY (hot summer year), averaging over 20°C, (comparable with the
2003 heat wave in the UK) and well above the current weather values. These graphs also
illustrate the many different choices available for evaluating risk with the climate change data
now available, compared to the current design data.
42
07/05/2017
3.0
Section 3: Adaptation Strategy
A description of the Climate Change Adaptation Study premise has been included within
Section 1.3 of this Report, (page 25), so a further detailed introduction to the process is
unnecessary. However, in order to lead succinctly into the main Section of this report, the
key aspects from that Sub-Section have been listed below:

This Study is being run alongside the main construction project and will be used to
inform future schemes as opposed to directly affect the St Pauls School scheme

The technical, analytical and building simulation element of the Study has been subcontracted to De Montfort University

Miller Construction (UK) Limited have undertaken to review the theoretical aspect of
adaptation in terms of design, procurement and construction

The adaptation review will concentrate mainly on the key factors identified in Section
2 of this report, namely; flood risk, overheating and inadequate ventilation

Miller Construction (UK) Limited will also review theoretical proposals and simulation
data against ‘real-life’ constraints to create a realistic and achievable proposals
document for informing future projects in the short, medium and long-term

As the St Pauls School Project was on-site and substantially developed before this
Study was finalised, the Employers Requirements and Contractors Proposals
documents were already in place and the Client’s specific requirements well
documented. As such only minimal amendments to the design as a direct result of
the Study could be made and instead the Client’s aspirations had to be managed
accordingly

As a lot of the changes recommended in the Study Report were incorporated into the
final design solution despite the progressed state of the design and the limitations of
a lump-sum budget, it stands as elegant proof that sound adaptation design
innovations needn’t be cost prohibitive
This Section of the Report concentrates on the factual information generated during the
course of the Study and with the conclusions drawn by the Project Team in terms of how
best to process them in a useful and practical manner.
As the majority of De Montfort University’s simulation exercise has been focused on the
adaption of the heating and ventilation variables, Miller Construction (UK) Limited have taken
the lead on the assessment of flooding adaptation possibilities. In the same way that they
were addressed in Section 2, these two climate risk factors will be dealt with separately in
Section 3.
Flooding
Possible design solutions that could be employed to address the actual risk factors
highlighted in Section 2 have been detailed and expanded upon below:
43
07/05/2017
Levels
The existing site levels clearly cause a considerable problem by encouraging storm water
that cannot drain into the impermeable clay substrate or hard landscaping to flow towards
and into the existing school buildings. As a great deal of the area surrounding the existing
retained estate will need to be re-planned, re-graded and replaced as part of the final
solution, there is an opportunity to provide a more passively efficient system of storm water
re-direction without the need to resort to a large number of channel drains. This could be
achieved at no extra cost during the contractor’s typical ‘cut-and-fill’ balancing exercise and
even if levels cannot be dropped across the entire site, re-grading to ensure that surface
water flows away from the existing buildings should be possible.
Permeable Surfaces
One of the key factors causing flooding on the existing St Pauls School site and highlighted
within HSP Consulting’s FRA was the proliferation of impermeable surfaces within the
external landscaping. This was most specifically noted where the existing main car park and
play area caused rain water run-off to flow towards and into the existing Reception Area and
Sports Halls. The area allocated for the new St Pauls School building is the current site of
the existing car park and play area. By locating the new building here, demolishing the
elements seen as causing the biggest problem with unwanted surface water run-off and by
providing permeable surfacing as part of the new landscape design, a number of issues
could be addressed at the same time.
Natural areas to locate permeable hard-landscaping would be pavements and parking bays
etc, but when proposing features of this type, it must be accepted that they come with an
increased maintenance aspect. Over time, if not regularly maintained, they will silt-up and
become inoperable, which would leave the Client and End-User in the same position as they
find themselves now. It should also be carefully considered as more frequent and specialist
maintenance will increase the overall maintenance budget and even if correctly maintained,
permeable hard landscaping elements do not have the same expected lifespan as their solid
equivalents
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
Section 3.1 of the Building Regulations Part H utilises a hierarchical approach to determine
which means of drainage should be considered by the Design Team during the detailed
design development period.
Firstly, consideration must be given to the use of soakaways and infiltration techniques, then
to providing a connection with a nearby waterway, and finally a connection to an existing
public sewer system if the previous two options are not possible.
HSP Consulting’s FRA report confirms that in line with Table 3.3 of the Ciria SUDS Manual,
sufficient permissible treatment trains have been identified to enable SUDS to be considered
on the St Pauls School project. These treatment trains can be defined as:

All water from the new car parking areas will either pass directly into pervious
pavements, or where this is not recommended for other design considerations,
discharge over impermeable surfaces into areas of pervious paving

Water from the new hard-standing areas and the new roof areas will dissipate to a
catch pit upstream of below ground attenuation storage

The water from the attenuation storage will then discharge at a controlled rate
through a 140m long filter drain
44
07/05/2017

During storm events exceeding a 1 in 30 year return period, water will surcharge from
the last manhole on site to an extended attenuation basin. All surface water from
events exceeding a 1 in 30 year return event, up to a 1 in 100 year return period, plus
20% allowance for climate change will be contained in the attenuation basin

The use of a wet pond has been considered as a form of attenuating water in low
return period events however, the additional area that would be required for a wet
pond would become considerable and would consume too much of the playing fields
to be practical
SUDS System
Feasibility Outcome
Restrictions
Pervious Pavements
Recommended
Filter Drains
Recommended
Silt Removal
Recommended
Detention Basin
Recommended
Rainwater Harvesting
To be considered at the
detailed design stage*
Ponds
Not recommended
Restricted Space
Swales
Not recommended
Restricted Space
Soakaways
Not recommended
Underlying Clay
Green Roofs
Not recommended
Cost/ Benefit
Bio Retention
Not recommended
Restricted Space
Table 3.1: This table reflects the proposed SUDS systems listed in HSP Consulting’s FRA
In light of the above, HSP Consulting have also stated that for on-site attenuation with a
maximum off-site discharge rate of 16l/s for a 1 in 30 year event, and a need to address 1 in
30 – 1 in 100 year events, plus 20% for climate change there would be a requirement for:

408m3 Primary Cellular Storage on site, (below ground attenuation tanks)

317m3 Extended Detention Basin (dry pond that fills up only in wet weather
conditions)*
Improved Drainage Runs
HSP Consulting’s FRA stated that the existing drainage runs at St Pauls School were in poor
overall condition and even though a substantial amount will be replaced due to the
demolition works and general disturbance caused by the construction of the new building,
not all areas will be replaced. These existing pipes are not operating at the intended capacity
and actually back-up and flood back into the building. To ensure future adaptability within the
design, CCTV camera surveys could be used to identify any damaged or blocked pipework
and funding identified by the Client to overhaul the entire drainage system.
*It should be noted that Rainwater Harvesting was discussed in detail during the detailed design
development stage, but that the capital cost was deemed too excessive to offset the overall benefit
and as such it didn’t offer best value to the Client
45
07/05/2017
Improved Maintenance Regimes
Irrespective of the innovations chosen for the St Pauls School scheme, it will be imperative
that future maintenance regimes are established and adhered to in order for newly
constructed and installed technology not to fail ahead of its expected lifespan. This can be
achieved through the production of a detailed and robust Operations & Maintenance (O&M)
Manual, suitably detailed and expansive training prior to Practical Handover and the
development of a School Management Plan.
Proposed below ground drainage plans have been included within Appendix 3A.
Figure 3.1: Simple
diagram
showing
the
principles
associated with an
attenuation
basin/
pond
Heating and Ventilation
The team at De Montfort University have a great deal of experience in building physics and
thermal simulation. Given the nature of the design and through on-going discussions with
Miller Construction (UK) Limited, they developed a set of possible adaption measures in
relation to thermal behaviour which could be varied within the constraints of the design and
would be expected to have an effect on thermal performance.
The following SWOT analysis, (included on Page 48 of this report) is a critical assessment of
these adaptation measures. As we can simulate a wide range of variable parameters, all of
these elements were included within the simulation exercise except for the reflective external
surfaces, as these are expected to have little effect in a modern, well-insulated building.
*It should be noted that the Extended Detention Basin is also something that the Environment Agency
has requested be added to the scheme in order to satisfy their own criteria, (and in order to remove
their objection to the St Paul’s School project Planning Application
46
07/05/2017
Some notable constraints to the simulation were the lightweight cladding which could not be
altered to more heavyweight construction, (such as masonry) and as a result the team at De
Montfort University varied the densities of the internal plasterboard that was being used due
to the fact that the most ‘useful’ thermal mass is to be found within the inner layers of a
building. Also, Miller Construction (UK) Limited confirmed that triple glazing would not be
within the Client’s budget, so a range of high performance, double-glazing solutions with
varying solar control, thermal and light transmission properties were used.*
*It should be noted that the alternative technology used by the team at De Montfort University as part
of its simulation exercise was also not affordable as part of the Client’s overall budget, but in order to
generate the most useful set of results data, it was agreed to be the most acceptable alternative
47
07/05/2017
Measure
Strengths
Shading –
Building
Can be very
effective in reducing
solar gain.
Can be fairly cheap.
Can reduce glare.
Changes building
aesthetics.
Increases heating
demand.
May reduce view.
Reduces daylight.
Can enhance
aesthetics.
May be damaged in
storms.
Shading –
Existing Trees
Already in place.
Deciduous trees
mainly provide
shade in summer.
Not designed in.
Does not provide
shade in the spring
before the leaves
grow - can be strong
solar gain.
New trees take years
to grow.
Hard to model.
Retain in order to
enhance the
ecology and
external
environment.
May be destroyed
by disease (e.g.
ash die-back).
Solar Control
Glazing
Reduces heat gain
but not light.
Increases heating
demand.
Expensive.
Reflective
External Surfaces
In some cases it
can be designed in
at no extra cost.
Little overall effect if
highly insulated.
Can increase
overheating in some
cases.
Can be used for
aesthetics – e.g.
white finish.
Coatings may
weather and lose
effectiveness, or
peel off.
Thermal
Insulation
(Greater Than
Building
Regulations)
Relatively cheap.
Reduces heat loss.
Small effect on
summer
temperatures.
Improves daylight
design without
overheating.
Thermal Mass –
Internal Surfaces
Reduces daytime
temperatures.
Works with night
ventilation.
Inconsistent with
lightweight cladding –
increased cost.
May increase the cost
of the structure –
higher building mass.
Can use block work
internal partitions more durable than
plasterboard.
Expose concrete
floors and ceilings
to expose the
existing mass.
Ventilation – Day
Effective in
reducing
temperatures, while
outside
temperatures are
lower than those
inside.
Not effective at high
external
temperatures.
Control can be
problematic – staff
need training.
Safety issues may
limit openable areas.
Ventilation – Night
Effective in
reducing
temperatures if
there is enough
thermal mass.
Control can be
problematic – needs
to be automated.
Over cooling can
result in a need for
extra heating in order
to prevent discomfort.

Weakness
48
Opportunities
Install ventilation
louvres with
automatic control.
Threats (external)
High night
temperatures
render this
ineffective.
Rain ingress.
Security could be
compromised.
07/05/2017
3.1
Simulation
In order to develop the adaptation strategy, various parameters that relate to summer
overheating were varied in the simulation exercise to establish an optimal set of solutions,
(these parameters are shown in Table 3.2 below). It is important to note that there is no
single solution due to the fact that there is a constant trade-off between overheating and the
need to reduce overall heating energy consumption.
Default Value
Alternative Values
External wall insulation layer
thickness
0.15m
0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3m
External wall plasterboard
density
900kg/m3
700, 1100, 1300, 1500kg/m3
Flat roof insulation layer
thickness
0.36m
0.12, 0.18, 0.24, 0.3, 0.42, 0.48m
Ground floor insulation layer
thickness
0.12m
0.16, 0.2, 0.24, 0.28, 0.32, 0.36m
Suspended ceiling
Yes
No
Glazing type
Double_4-12_low
emissivity air
Various glazing, including solar
control - all double
South overhangs depth
0m
0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0m
East overhangs depth
0m
0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0m
West overhangs depth
0m
0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0m
Table 3.2: Table reflecting the building parameters that were varied during the simulation exercises in
order to find the most optimal solution (see also Table 3.3)
Optimisation was run using the Leicester Design Summer Year DSY, (hot summer, current
climate) weather file, and 80 generations and 4000 cases were evaluated. The results of
these simulated generations can be seen in the screenshot included on Page 50 of this
report (Figure 3.2). Each dot shown on the simulation screenshot represents one annual
simulation, plotted in terms of CO2 emissions (x) and overheating hours (y). Overheating
hours are defined as the sum of hours when any classroom temperature is greater than
25°C and when people are present in any one or more of the classrooms. If for example
three classrooms were all in excess of 25°C, for one hour this would count as one hour.
The white dots represent any simulation, the blue dots represent the final set of simulations
derived as the system ‘evolves’ towards an improved solution, and the red dots are referred
to as a ‘pareto front’ as they are closest to the x and y axes. The red dots of the ‘pareto front’
represent the ‘best’ solutions in as much as there are no other solutions which improve on
both overheating and on CO2.
49
07/05/2017
Figure 3.2: This image represents an actual screenshot of the simulation results and clearly shows
CO2 emissions (x) and overheating hours (y) that have been plotted.
From the results that were achieved, further analysis was carried out to establish which
combination of the variables indicated in Table 3.2 gave the most favourable results. A
recommended set of design options has been reflected in Table 3.3, (included on Page 51 of
this report), with the properties of the various glazing types derived from the information
included in Table 3.4, (included on Page 52 of this report).
50
07/05/2017
Glazing Type
Ext Wall
Ground
South
East
West
Plaster-
Floor Ins
Overhangs
Overhangs
Overhangs
board
Thickness
depth
depth
depth
900
.32
0
0.5
0
1100
.12
0.5
1
1
700
.12
0.5
0.5
0
1100
.20
0.5
0.5
1
Density
Double_613_LoE_ElecAbs_Bleach_Ar
Double_613_LoE_ElecRef_Bleach_Air
Double_613_LoE_ElecRef_Bleach_Ar
Double_6-13_LoE_SpecSel_Clr_Ar
Table 3.3: Table proposing property combinations that give the most optimal results, (all without
suspended ceilings, and with external wall insulation thicknesses of 0.3m. The selected values that
have been noted above have also been shown in bold in Table 3.2*
Although these have been included as the most optimum results, it should be noted that
other project factors will affect the feasibility of their actual inclusion:

The glazing used is high performance, high-specification and as such high cost. This
is likely to mean that it cannot be specified if the overall project is to remain within the
Client’s budget, especially in today’s economic marketplace

Increasing the density of the external wall plaster is not an unrealistic proposal,
however a large percentage of modern buildings avoid wet plaster applications in
favour of pre-formed plasterboard sheets and dry-lining systems. A comparable
simulation analysis would have to be undertaken for this material build-up to
determine how similar the results were

Ground floor insulation thicknesses are usually derived from a variety of different
contributing factors. These include challenging U-Values, the need to conceal floorboxes, under-floor heating pipes, or conduits and trunking, maintenance plant that
will need to traffic the floor in its finished state and compression rates of the insulation
sheets to be installed. The Client’s brief is more usually geared towards maximising
the insulation thicknesses, (more typically between 80-100mm thick) and in doing so
reducing the overall heating costs and making the buildings as energy efficient as
possible. To counter this, the greatest focus for the M&E engineers is usually the
design of a suitably robust and effective ventilation system

There is definite scope for utilising these optimal overhang dimensions, but design
proposals are always at the mercy of the Client and Planning Officer

The amount of space required by the M&E services in most modern buildings mean
that it is a constant battle to find unobtrusive ways of hiding them from the view of the
Client/ End-Users. A key means of providing ‘service voids’ is to utilise ‘false’ or
suspended ceilings, either as light-weight removable tile and grid systems or in the
form of fixed M/F ceiling installations.
51
07/05/2017
This cavity formed by a suspended ceiling provides an essential transit route for electrical
cabling, mechanical pipework and duct runs, as well as all manner of essential elements
that are more functional than aesthetic. While the need to utilise the thermal mass of a
concrete floor slab shouldn’t be understated, there are very few instances where a Client
will agree to a plethora of exposed services, or actually finds the look of exposed
concrete appealing.
There are equally few occasions when the time and money can be invested in designing
and providing alternative vertical service risers and horizontal transfer routes purely in
order to utilise the buildings inherent thermal mass to benefit the overall heating and
ventilation solution, now or in the future.
Glazing Type
U-Value*
Solar Heat Gain Factor
Light Transmission
Double_6-13_LoE_ElecAbs_Bleach_Ar
1.32
0.47
0.66
Double_6-13_LoE_ElecRef_Bleach_Air
1.62
0.42
0.63
Double_6-13_LoE_ElecRef_Bleach_Ar
1.32
0.42
0.63
Double_6-13_LoE_SpecSel_Clr_Ar
1.33
0.42
0.68
Table 3.4: This table demonstrates the glazing properties used in Table 3.3 on the preceding page of
this report
*As noted earlier, it should be understood that these U-Values are extremely difficult to achieve
without very high specifications and similarly high price tags. While they should indeed be striven for
wherever possible, the financial implications involved with their use usually makes their inclusion
prohibitive in most instances
52
07/05/2017
Figure 3.3: Effect of different glazing types (Table 3.4) on performance
Figure 3.3 shows how lower solar heat gain factors lead to less overheating but higher CO2
emissions, which are also affected by U-values.
The results shown on the preceding four pages indicate that varying the design parameters
will have the following effect on overall performance:

Suspended ceilings should be avoided wherever possible as they tend to increase
overheating

Maximising wall insulation is desirable as it will act not only to reduce the overall
heating demand, but also the potential for summer overheating**

Ground floor insulation has little effect

The optimal amount of solar shading varies with building orientation and the overall
quantity utilised as it has opposite effects on heat demand and overheating. It should
also be noted however that its effect is reduced anyway due to the potential for
shading by nearby tree.
**Although increasing the wall insulation might be considered optimal, it results in much deeper
window reveals. Where natural or mixed-mode ventilation has been specified, it will result in the
opening lights still needing to project a minimum of 100mm from the face of the façade in order to
achieve the airflow needed. This increased window opening dimension can create serious problems
in terms of H&S and ‘Secure By Design Principles’ and as such a design compromise is often
required
53
07/05/2017
Using the four combinations of design parameters defined in Table 3.3, simulations were run
for the sets of future weather years defined in Table 2.1, i.e. DSY and TRY years for low,
medium and high emission scenarios at 10%, 50% and 90% probability levels and for 2030s,
2050s and 2080s. Results of these simulations have been added to Appendix 3B, reflecting
medium and high emission scenarios, but not low emissions as the results for these
scenarios were somewhat less extreme. Present weather results are given as stars on the
plots, labelled ‘reference’.
Additional data relating to rainfall has also been added to Appendix 3B for reference:
Appendix 3B: Weather year simulations and additional rainfall data Pages 18-27
Weather year simulations
Additional rainfall data
Summary
Pages 18-22
Pages 22-26
Pages 26-27
Other Adaptation Variables That Can Be Considered In Relation To The Heating And
Ventilation Design

By considering the design implications early enough in the design development
process, it is possible to use the ‘stack effect’ generated with multiple-storey
buildings to maximise a natural ventilation system. In doing so, a more efficient and
cost effect answer to overheating and ventilation can be achieved

Although addressing the physical elements that make up the building structure and
fabric should always be the designer’s first port of call, the use of additional
renewable technologies can also help to reduce costs, limit dependency on statutory
services and improve the overheating and ventilation requirements of a building
Photovoltaic panels, air-source heat pumps and wind turbines can be incorporated
on the roof of buildings and used to generate a return on the initial capital cost
investment
If the Client is looking for a less invasive, or involved solution there is also the
possibility of connecting the building to the district heating system and benefiting from
the economies of scale that this affords, as well as from the fact that a large element
of the infrastructure required is already in place

More energy efficient hardware could be specified, (if the budget allows for it)

Similarly, if there is scope within the budget, lower heat emitting computer equipment
can be specified and installed

Depending on the complexity of the M&E solution required and the budget that is
available; night/ evening purge cooling could be specified and installed. This could
even be achieved by cooling the building prior to the start of the school day if so
desired
54
07/05/2017
Timescales For Adoption
Immediately:
 Drainage
Whether the intention is to repair and replace the ineffective existing drainage runs,
or to install drainage runs for an entirely new building, if they are not designed and
included as part of the initial works, the cost and disruption associated with
undertaking the works at a later date can be prohibitive, especially in the case of a
live school environment
 Levels
Similarly, changing the external site levels at any time other than during the initial
project works is seldom worth it in the overall scheme of things
 Permeable Surfaces
The installation of permeable surfaces should only be considered in conjunction with
any complementary drainage amendments and level changes. While it is feasible to
change impermeable surfaces for permeable ones at any time, unless a pre-existing
drainage network exists to connect into, there will be nothing to carry away the
additional surface water that is collected. As noted earlier, laying a brand new series
of drains is best left for the initial construction period and not as a supplementary item
of work
 SUDS
Essentially, whatever the specific SUDS element being targeted, it is a drainage
solution and needs to be considered with the same reasoning as noted above
At Any Time:
 Maintenance
Although it is sensible to instigate a thorough and robust maintenance regime at the
same time that a building has been newly constructed and handed over, it is not
essential. Even if a maintenance policy is well established and adhered to, it is also
not a bad thing to undertake regular reviews and to update it accordingly.
Modern buildings are designed for in excess of 30, 40, or even 50 years and in that
time materials need replacing, technology advances, environmental constraints
change and the regulations that we have to adhere to develop to suit. This is
especially true of education facilities, where in addition to the changes noted above,
buildings often need to adapt and expand with extensions and upgrades.
As such a Client should look to review and revise his maintenance regime whenever
a key contributing factor changes to the detriment of the existing policy or practice. In
this way he can maximise his assets with the minimum of additional cost or disruption

Additional Shading From Trees
Soft and hard landscaping can be changed relatively easily and is not constrained in
the same way that the building design is.
55
07/05/2017
With that in mind, if a Client wishes to benefit from the additional shading that can be
afforded by neighbouring trees they have two options; a) to utilise the most cost
effective option of buying young trees and planning in advance for them to grow and
mature into the cover that is desired. b) to purchase mature trees and install the
‘ready-made’ article.
The former is usually impractical due to the sheer length of time that a tree requires
to reach sufficient size even to shade a single storey building, (this includes even the
fastest growing species of tree). The latter is also usually impractical as the cost of
purchasing, transferring and installing a mature tree is usually hugely prohibitive.
The most cost efficient and effective way of achieving the natural screening desired
by the Client is usually therefore to ensure that it is installed during the initial
construction programme. By thorough review and diligent discussion it is often
possible to achieve not only an affordable solution, but one that is aesthetic and
beneficial in terms of passive solar shading

Changing External Cladding Elements
As most multi-storey buildings are now built using a structural frame and not load
bearing walls, the cladding that wraps the building is arguably decorative, or
functional only in terms of the acoustic and thermal performance that is desired by
the Client. With this in mind it is theoretically possible to change it whenever this is
deemed necessary, without excessive relative cost or complexity.
Cladding elements are typically designed to last for twenty or more years, so the
need to change them is often surpassed by the Client’s desire. It should also be
noted that although cladding can be considered in terms of a ‘skin’ it is often
intrinsically linked to the layers that lie beneath it and any changes to the external
façade might necessitate changes to the internal insulation, sub-framing system,
(such as SFS) or even the internal wall lining.
This type of adaptation should perhaps therefore only be considered where a building
is to be stripped back to its constituent structural elements as opposed to a live
building where only notional or desirable adaptation is required

Exposing The Internal Floor Slabs
As noted above, the potential use of concrete floor slabs as a means of maximising a
building’s thermal mass is highly desirable. In the same manner as external cladding,
false ceilings are not a structural requirement and can be removed at any time if so
desired. Unfortunately if the decision to develop a building with exposed concrete
soffits is not taken during the development of the initial project design, it can be
extremely difficult to adapt at a later date.
The void created between slab and ceiling is typically filled with a plethora of
essential, but less than aesthetic mechanical and electrical installations. Even if the
decision is taken to accept the sizable mechanical elements, re-routing the miles of
electrical cabling and basketry can be expensive, difficult and costly.
The ceilings themselves are also used as an integral part of the M&E design solution
and support a number of key items. These include recessed light fittings, sprinkler
heads, intake and extract covers, alarms, sounders and even signage. Unless the
building is to be stripped back to its basic structure it is again advisable to restrict this
kind of adaptation to the initial design phase

Overhangs
Substantial overhangs such as colonnades are often part of the buildings inherent
structural design and as such cannot easily be amended after the initial build period.
56
07/05/2017
Where supplementary shading is required in the form of brise soleil or canopies
however, this can be undertaken at any time during a building’s lifespan. This kind of
installation can greatly enhance the reduction in glare and solar gain for a relatively
modest outlaw, (depending on the orientation and overall location of the building).
While cost is perhaps the biggest driver in determining this adaptation, regardless of
what stage it is sought to be implemented, a potential Client should ensure that the
existing building’s structure is sufficiently robust enough to support the extra weight,
stresses and strains of the projecting item, (especially those caused by massing
snow and the uplift wind load).

Ventilation – Night or Day
Natural ventilation and mixed-mode ventilation relies on intrinsic design of the façade
and floor plans in order to be effective and as such, amendments later in the life of a
building are highly unlikely to be effective or efficient. Where mechanical ventilation is
utilised however, there is scope for later amendments, although the potential
effectiveness would need to be carefully assessed by an M&E engineer

Solar Control Glazing
The glazing within the external façade of a building is an item that can be changed at
any time during its lifespan to not only improve the aesthetic appeal, but also to
greatly benefit the overall thermal performance. Where the original design might have
been deficient in terms of heat gain and glare, the addition of external projections
such as canopies might not be possible due to structural limitations. In these
instances a Client’s options are usually limited to internal blinds, or solar control
glazing.
Blinds are typically cheaper, but can cause H&S issues in school buildings where
they are incorrectly specified in sensitive areas such as Science classrooms. In these
instances, solar control glazing can be an unobtrusive and highly efficient solution
that fully addresses maintenance, cost, environmental and regulatory issues

Renewable Technologies
Certain renewable technologies such as ground source heat pumps require a great
deal of ground work and unless they have been designed and installed as part of the
initial construction programme they can prove difficult to utilise as a subsequent
adaptation. Other innovations such as photovoltaic panels, wind turbines etc are
arguably ‘bolt-on’ devices that can be installed at any time during a buildings lifespan.
An option that isn’t strictly a renewable technology, but still provides a highly
economical and sustainable solution is ‘Dual Fuel Technology.’ Simply put, this is the
utilisation of a power plant that can operate equally as efficiently through the
combustion of two different fuel sources. It is also possible with today’s advanced
technology for the power plant to switch between those fuel sources at any time to
ensure that the most efficient fuel source is being used at any one time.
Dual Fuel power plants have been utilised in many different applications from cars,
lorries and other vehicles, to domestic boilers and even gigantic power stations.
Similarly, the fuel combinations available vary greatly, ranging from oil and gas, to
electricity and diesel and even solid wood and biomass pellets. In every case the use
of Dual Fuel technology enables an increased adaptability and flexibility that provides
further benefits in the fuel commodity market, effectively ensuring that the user is
never ‘held to ransom’ by individual fuel providers at any one time.
57
07/05/2017
As long as the basic infrastructure is present, (or easily installed) and the existing
structure can support the additional load placed upon it, these technologies can not
only reduce the overall heat and electricity load of a building, they can also generate
a modest return on investment and over a period of time repay the capital cost of
their installation in full.
Renewable technologies can reduce life-cycle costs, respond favourably to changes
in statutory regulations and provide a sustainable, environmental solution that allows
a new or existing building to adapt positively to predicted changes in the climate.
Where amendments to the physical make-up of a building cannot be accommodated,
the addition of renewable technologies should be considered wherever the budget
will allow

More Efficient Hardware
Technology advancements mean that well before the physical elements of a building
have reached the end of their practical lifespans, the items that lie at their hearts and
ensure that they continue to function and operate as intended have become
obsolete, or in need of replacement. As part of a Client’s typical maintenance regime,
they should identify when certain items will require appraisal with a view to replacing
and upgrading them.
All manner of items can be assessed, depending on the budget and timescales
involved. Typically this might coincide with guarantees or warranties coming to an
end, new and improved models being released to the market, new stipulatory
regulations making the current items far less desirable, or even the fact that the latest
models are far more efficient making them not only cost effective, but more
environmentally friendly.
The hardware that runs a building will almost always require replacement first and in
this knowledge it is advisable to plan accordingly and budget as necessary to realise
the ambitions of the individual or organisation.

Low-Heat Emitting Computers
Clients should treat the adaptation of their existing hardware to that of low-heat
emitting and efficient technology such as computers in the same manner as
described above for ‘More Efficient Hardware’
New Project Design Stage Only:

Stack Effect Design Principles
As this design principle is associated with natural ventilation and internal ventilation
routes that pass through a building in a specific manner from intakes/ windows at low
level and exit through similar openings at high level, it is fundamentally impossible to
adapt an existing building without wholesale amendments that would negate any
benefit that might be achieved through undertaking the works in the first place. As
such it should be considered during the initial design development stage of a scheme
only, and if not captured at this time, focus should be shifted to other adaptation
variables that might better suit the individual scenario.

Cost Benefit Analysis
A Life-Cycle Cost Analysis was undertaken by Leicester City Council, although there
are limitations to this document as at present no FM element is included within the
project parameters.
58
07/05/2017
As noted earlier in this report, the Lifecycle Cost Analysis has been included to demonstrate
cost benefit and risk mitigation strategies for the St Paul’s Project and can be crossreferenced with the elements specifically highlighted in Section 3.
This Analysis contains spreadsheets that are too large to fit easily within this document, but
a summary of its contents has been included below:

The Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) includes detailed cost information relating to
the new build element and the retained estate so that a comprehensive
analysis can be reviewed

The period of assessment runs from 2013 - 2042 (25+5 years)

Appropriate allowances have been made in the Assessment for; risk, profit &
overheads, BCIS material cost increases, annual maintenance, occupancy
costs, fuel & power costs, replacement costs, renewal costs and an allowance
for FF&E (Fixed Furniture & Equipment)

No VAT or capital build costs are included within the Assessment

All replacement/ renewal costs are based on the capital cost plan
Over a thirty year period, based on an overall GIFA (Gross Internal Floor Area) of 16,684m2
and a total cost of £12,680,830, (including the external landscape areas) this equates to
£25.34/ m2/ annum. Over a comparable twenty-five year period this equates to just £24.01/
m2/ annum. The associated graphs charting cost against time for twenty-five and thirty years
also reflect a steady rise with few undulations which demonstrate a robust design and
maintenance philosophy throughout the entire duration of the Assessment
It is difficult to provide comparative data in relation to these figures and this has been
backed-up by a number of Government reports. One such report13 stated the following:
“The inquiry found that a lack of reliable benchmark data on whole-life costing was inhibiting
the implementation of whole-life costing in public sector procurement, and negatively
impacting on the accuracy of the results it produced. The inquiry identified problems of
standardisation within whole-life costing and a lack of rigorous post-occupancy reviews as
the prime causes of deficiencies in benchmark data.”
Despite this, it is worth considering the following; St Pauls School is part of the
Government’s national BSF (Building Schools for the Future) Programme and already this
has been superseded by revised aspirational thinking. The new baseline design intent14 for
Secondary Schools requires the following:
 30% cost reduction in comparison with BSF Schools
 A saving to the tax payer of up to £6m per Secondary School
 A design cost of £1113m2 (based on a 1200 pupil Secondary School)
13
See http://www.sustainableprocurement.eu.com/documents/link_four_procurement_final_report.pdf
14
See https://www.gov.uk/government/news/innovative-new-school-designs-deliver-efficiency-forevery-pound-spent
59
07/05/2017
Using this cost/ m2 rate on a pro-rata basis, the figures for St Pauls School demonstrate that
maintaining the entire School campus for a thirty-year period is only 2/3 the cost of building a
new School building. Although this appraisal obviously doesn’t reflect all of the factors, it is
impressive none-the-less.
60
07/05/2017
Measure
Timeframe
Trigger to Investment
Drainage
Immediately
Duration of the ground works. If not added to the Project
works, or undertaken by the Client at the same time,
replacement in the future could be unnecessarily costly
Levels
Immediately
If not included as part of the enabling works, extensive
landscaping in the future could be costly and disruptive
Permeable surfaces
Immediately
The design of the below ground drainage installation.
Unless the substrate is a good drainage medium,
retrospectively changing to permeable surfaces will also
require additional drainage runs to be installed
SUDS
Immediately
As with permeable surfaces
Maintenance
At any time
The earlier the better, (to maximise efficiencies) although a
robust maintenance regime can be introduced at any time
Additional shading
from trees
At any time
Dependent on the medium – long term strategy (i.e. growth
time etc), but the most cost effective solution is to include
suitable trees with the initial soft landscaping works package
Changing external
cladding elements
At any time
The most cost effective means of achieving this is at the
end of the previous cladding’s lifespan, when it would
require replacement anyway
Exposing the internal
floor slabs
At any time
At the initial design stage. Although it can be undertaken at
any time, if a building is not designed to accommodate
exposed soffits etc, services will either be exposed and
‘face-fixed’, or will need costly/ time-consuming diversion
Overhangs
At any time
Bolt-on elements such as brise soleil and canopies can be
added at any time, (as long as the main structure is
sufficiently robust). Integral colonnades can only really be
added during the initial design stage
Ventilation – Night or
Day
At any time
As long as the majority of a building is mechanically
ventilated, a design proposal can be put together at any
time. Other forms of ventilation are more complex and
wholesale, costly amendments would result
Solar control glazing
At any time
At anytime, although to reduce costs and maximise
efficiencies this should be treated in the same way as the
main cladding elements
Renewable
technologies
At any time
As most existing systems can be easily amended to
incorporate renewable technologies they can be installed at
any convenient time. If not included in the initial works, it
would be worth undertaking remedial works when
appropriate Government grants/ incentives were in place
More efficient
hardware
At any time
At any time that the budget allows, although replacement
when scheduled is obviously the most economic solution
Low-heat emitting
computers
At any time
As with more efficient hardware
Stack effect design
principles
New project design
stage only
As this involves the entire building as a facilitator, it can only
really be done during the initial design period
Cost benefit analysis
New project design
stage only
Analysis can be undertaken at any time, (especially when
several element s are due for renewal) but for a
comprehensive ‘cradle-to-grave’ assessment of all building
elements for comparative purposes this should be done with
the initial design
Table 3.5: Summary of adaptation measures in terms of the proposed timescale for adoption and key
‘triggers to investment’
61
07/05/2017
Below is a table indicating the Commercial analysis undertaken by the Project Quantity
Surveyor and a breakdown of the various adaptability measures included within the scheme
following an appraisal of the financial impact on the overall scheme.
Flooding
Heating & Ventilation
Adaptation Measure Recommended
Investigation of
Measure
Cost
Implementation of
Measure
Additional trees to shade the
building (in excess of Planning
Condition requirements)
25nr mature trees@
£2000 each
£50,000
Unaffordable
Solar glazing control
Budget allowance
£30,000
Unaffordable
Reflective external surfaces
E/O cost £35/m2
(2000m2)
£70,000
Unaffordable
Thermal insulation (greater
than Building Regulations)
E/O cost £10/m2
(3000m2 inc roof)
£30,000
Implemented into
Scheme
Ventilation – Day
BMS, controls,
window actuators etc
£150,000
Unaffordable
Ventilation – Night
Inc above
Inc above
Unaffordable
Brise soleil
To South elevation
only
£35,000
Unaffordable
SUDS: Rainwater harvesting
Budget allowance
£75,000
Unaffordable
SUDS: Ponds
Budget allowance
£22,500
Unaffordable
SUDS: Filter drains
Budget allowance
£40,000
Implemented into
Scheme
SUDS: Permeable surfaces
Budget allowance
£50,000
Implemented into
Scheme
Table 3.6: Commercial analysis of the various adaptability measures included within the St Paul
scheme as a result of the Climate Change Adaptation Study
Although it was never the intention to use the Climate Change Adaptation Study to lead the
detailed design development process, some of the aspects that were highlighted in the
Report, where in fact incorporated into the final design. Certain measures that were seen to
be desirable also provided a practical response to other Project drivers and as such could be
utilised without a major change to the design strategy. A good example of this is the
recommendations made in HSP’s Flood Risk Assessment, where SUDS technology and
onsite attenuation were deemed necessary and this also reflected a recommendation from
the Study Report. Once the options were fully investigated, certain SUDS innovations were
included.
Due to the specific St Pauls School Project parameters and programme position, it was
obvious that a number of the measures reviewed in the Report were untenable and as such
these were discounted without further review. However, the Project Team determined that
other measures wouldn’t unduly affect the process, or fundamentally alter the current design
concept, so they were investigated further. An indication of the high-level costing exercise
that was undertaken when reviewing these items has been included as Table 3.6 above and
indicated how budget was often the key factor in determining a measure’s acceptability.
Despite the fact that it was always the intention to utilise the Report to inform future
construction projects, it is satisfying that certain adaptation measures could still be included
to further enhance the scheme.
62
07/05/2017
Recommendations To Be Implemented At St Pauls School

CCTV camera survey of existing drainage runs and replacement/ repair where they
negatively influence the new build project-works

Beneficial amendments to the external levels as part of the cut-and-fill exercise

Inclusion of permeable surfaces in key hard-landscaping areas such as car-parking
bays and pavements etc

Incorporation of several SUDS technology principles, namely the substantial
underground attenuation tank and the detention basin located at the far corner of the
existing playing fields

Additional tree planting to ensure a natural and passive screen of protection for the
current scheme and in years to come

Shading overhangs in the form of a double-story height colonnade that has been
assessed by the M&E engineers as sufficient to act alongside internal blinds in
providing the desired level of solar shading and anti-glare provision

Maximised insulation thicknesses to the entire building envelope in order to adhere to
stringent U-Value and air-leakage rates

Enhanced renewable technology provision in the form of a 100m2 photovoltaic array
and bio-fuel technology derived main boiler plant

A commitment to develop an expansive, user-friendly O&M Manual and associated
training programme in order to allow the Client and End-User to better manage and
maintain their new facility
63
07/05/2017
Figure 3.4: Timeline of proposed adaptation measures, maintenance regimes, reviews and building
alterations, 2010 - 2080
This timeline includes the nine recommended adaptation measures noted earlier in the
Section, as well as an indication of when the Client will need to consider/ action some
additional measures.

If the Client does not undertake the repair of existing, damaged drainage runs, or
appoint Miller Construction (UK) Limited to undertake the works in 2013 when the
main ground works are taking place it will be much more expensive and complicated
to undertake the works in the future.

As noted earlier in this Report, the existing maintenance regimes are not robust
enough going forwards. The timeline proposes that the Client review the existing
protocols and instigate a new yearly maintenance regime at the same time that the
new O&M Manual and training is to be delivered by Miller Construction (UK) Limited.
Although yearly maintenance should be ongoing, to avoid sixty-six identical listings
as the timeline progresses, it is assumed that this is self-evident. As maintenance
requirements, technology and hardware are constantly changing and evolving, the
timeline also reflects a need to review compliance every five years to ensure that the
Client remains as efficient and effective as possible
64
07/05/2017

The other two measures listed on the timeline reflect the potential for changing the
façade materials at the end of their estimated lifespan, (glazing and cladding).
Cladding elements can be reasonably expected to last for at least twenty years, and
although the glazing elements should easily outlast the ten years indicated by the
timeline, this is a reasonable timescale for the Client to instigate a wholesale change
in the thermal strategy of the building.
As noted earlier in the Section, none of the adaptation measures discussed, (with the
exception of those under the ‘New Project Design Stage Only’ sub-heading) should be
considered unachievable at St Pauls School. All of these measures could be progressed, but
for the purposes of this timeline, Miller Construction (UK) Limited have sought to propose the
most cost efficient and easily achievable strategy possible at the time of writing.
65
07/05/2017
FLOODING
Adaptation
Measure
Investigated
Recommended
Implemented
Comments
Beneficial
amendment of
existing external
levels
Yes
Yes
Yes*
*Only the levels
within the new
project redline
boundary were
amended
Permeable
external surfaces
Yes
Yes
Yes*
*Only the areas
within the new
project redline
boundary were
addressed
SUDS: pervious
pavements, filter
drains, silt removal
& detention basin
Yes
Yes
Yes
Expansive SUDS
technology was
introduced to the site
wide drainage
system
SUDS: Rainwater
Harvesting
Yes
Yes
No
The cost was
considered
excessive in terms
of the benefits
offered
SUDS: Ponds
Yes
No
No
Impossible due to
restricted space
SUDS: Swales
Yes
No
No
Impossible due to
restricted space
SUDS: Soakaways
Yes
No
No
Impossible due to
underlying clay
SUDS: Green
Roofs
Yes
No
No
The cost was
considered
excessive in terms
of the benefits
offered
SUDS: BioRetention
Yes
No
No
Impossible due to
restricted space
Improved drainage
runs
Yes
Yes
Yes*
*Only areas that
required amendment
for the new build
works were replaced
Improved
maintenance
regimes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The Client/ EndUser will be
responsible for
instigating an
improved
maintenance
regime, although it is
understood that this
has been agreed
and will be reflected
in the O&M Manuals
(Above) Table 3.7: Summary of Flooding adaptation measures investigated, recommended and
implemented for the St Paul’s RC School project
(Below) Table 3.8: Summary of Heating & Ventilation adaptation measures investigated,
recommended and implemented for the St Paul’s RC School project
66
07/05/2017
HEATING & VENTILATION
Adaptation
Measure
Investigated
Recommended
Implemented
Comments
Additional trees to
shade the building
Yes
Yes
No
Would have been
too expensive/ slow
to grow
Existing trees to
shade the building
Yes
Yes
No
Responding to the
Client’s Brief, areas
immediately
adjacent to the
building were
cleared of trees and
utilised for access
roads/ car parking
Solar control
glazing
Yes
Yes
No
Solar gain has been
controlled through
building orientation
and the use of blinds
Reflective external
surfaces
Yes
No
No
Noted previously
as ‘Changing
External Cladding
Elements’
Thermal insulation
(greater than
Building Control)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Noted previously
as ‘Changing
External Cladding
Elements’
Thermal mass –
internal surfaces
Yes
Yes
No
The design
requirements of the
Client prevented this
from being possible
Ventilation - Day
Yes
No
No
Training, control and
limitations on
openable areas
meant this was not
practicable
Ventilation - Night
Yes
No
No
Control, the cost of
automation and
reduced security
meant this was not
practicable
Exposed soffit
design
Yes
Yes
No
This was contrary to
the Client’s
requirements
Building roof
overhangs
Yes
Yes
Yes
Stack-effect design
Yes
No
No
Renewable
technologies
Yes
Yes
Yes
Energy efficient
hardware
Yes
Yes
No
Cost prohibitive
Low heat emitting
computer
equipment
Yes
Yes
No
Cost prohibitive
Cost benefit
analysis
Yes
Yes
Yes
67
Design was too far
advanced and the
cost too prohibitive
07/05/2017
4.0
Section 4: Learning From This Project
Summary Of The Approach To The Adaptation Design Work
Miller Construction (UK) Limited is one of the UK’s largest construction companies and
proudly boasts the following mission statement:

Deliver world class standards to our customers

Deliver outstanding levels of performance for our shareholders and

Be the sector’s best partner, employer and innovator
In order to operate at the very highest levels and deliver the quality, performance, values
and innovation that such a position demands; Miller Construction (UK) Limited are
committed to not only providing the optimum deliverables in today’s competitive market
place, but also to developing efficiencies, processes and technologies that will allow it to
remain at the cutting edge of future business practice.
Through ‘lessons learnt’ exercises and the reflective analysis of previous projects; the Senior
Management Team determined to improve the way it operated, so that as a business it
maximised profits, improved its environmental and sustainable characteristics and remained
at the forefront of technological development. This was considered key for any business that
sought to function as an industry leader and construction pioneer.
These exercises consisted of a number of workshops, (one per recently completed project)
where the key Project Team members could brainstorm all of the good and bad points of
note that had occurred during the course of the construction period. These were the ‘lessons
learnt’ that could be taken from the Projects and so as not to lose this critical insight, the
Senior Management Team met separately to reflect on this information and determine how
best to promote the good practices and mitigate the less desirable ones.
Theoretical analysis and reflection meant that key areas of ‘best practice’ could be identified,
as could the elements that had the potential to influence projects in both a positive and a
negative manner. By commissioning the services of the team at De Montfort University in
Leicester, the intention was to supplement the theory bourn from practical project review,
with computer derived simulation data taken from a live project; the St Pauls School scheme.
It was hoped that this approach would allow Miller Construction (UK) Limited to identify the
key adaptation factors required in order to make a building more responsive to frequently
occurring issues such as; overheating, heat loss, heat load factors and flooding. Through an
analysis of the data; the intention was to identify the optimum design solutions based on a
purely clinical approach and then to assess them against the other key project factors such
as cost, Client aspirations, statutory regulations and regulatory bodies.
Once this exercise was complete, the intention was to generate a revised ‘best practice’
guide, indicating an optimum pallet of materials and techniques to be utilised when designing
and construction a similar school project. It was also hoped that the principles derived for
this education scheme would prove largely generic and as such be applicable to a wide
variety of construction schemes and sectors, (even if they required minor amendments and
variations).
68
07/05/2017
The reflective approach to business progression is not a new one and it is something that
has been employed by Miller Construction (UK) Limited for a number of years, but the
incorporation of cutting edge technology to enhance and maximise this process was seen as
a key factor in maintaining a twenty-first century business approach in a highly competitive
marketplace.
Key Individuals In the Project And Their Input Into Proceedings*
Miller Construction (UK) Limited)

Richard Bamford
Project Manager
(Appendix 4 – Page 28)

Michael Taylor
Design Manager
(Appendix 4 – Page 31)

Paul Andrews
Commercial Manager
(Appendix 4 – Page 35)
The core project team at Miller Construction (UK) Limited bring with it many decades of
practical construction experience in a number of different sectors, most specifically within the
education sector, where they have helped to design, build and deliver a number of
prestigious primary, secondary and higher education facilities for a number of different highprofile Clients.
Richard Bamford is a well-respected Project Manager, who has spent nearly two-decades
working for Miller Construction (UK) Limited and won several industry awards for his
diligence and devotion to quality, sustainability and accountability within his projects. While
managing the particular construction responsibilities of the St Pauls School project, Richard
also undertook to drive and develop the works required for the Climate Change Adaptation
Study and to oversee the wider Miller Construction (UK) Limited project team.
Michael Taylor is an experienced design manager with an architectural background and a
passion for sustainable design and construction. Although his initial remit was purely to
develop and deliver the design function for the St Pauls School scheme, he also undertook
to write a significant portion of the more analytical data contained within the Climate Change
Adaptation Study report. Furthermore he co-ordinated the raw data from all of the
contributing parties into a concise and well-structured document that could be used by the
Miller Construction (UK) Limited Senior Management team to better inform its future works,
objectives and best practice.
Paul Andrews expanded his role as the St Pauls School project Commercial Manager to
include a valuable insight into the financial constraints and realities of modern construction
practice. With Paul’s input it was possible to consider theoretical recommendations and
conclusions in a far more realistic manner and as a result a balanced argument and
workable set of best practice recommendations were developed.
*Further details in the form of individual Curriculum Vitaes have been included as Appendix 4 and
these have been further sign-posted within the main body of text.
69
07/05/2017
Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development – De Montfort University, Leicester

Dr Andrew Wright
Project Leader
(Appendix 4 – Page 36)

Dr Yi Zhang
Software Developer
(Appendix 4 – Page 39)

Dr Ivan Korolija
Software Developer
(Appendix 4 – Page 41)
The team at De Montfort University were invaluable in generating theoretical computer
simulation data that was used to effectively map the most effective material elements and
combinations in order to reduce heating costs, minimise overheating and maximise
ventilation efficiencies.
The University team was led by Dr Andrew Wright who utilised his wealth of experience in
computer simulation and the complicated energy aspects of school design to produce the
theoretical data that was critical in determining Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s own
conclusion and recommendations. Dr Yi Zhang and his colleague Dr Ivan Korolija were
instrumental in developing the optimisation software, jEPlus and along with Dr Wright were
vital components in the overall Climate Change Adaptation Study exercise.
AEDAS (Architect)

Clive Breese
Director
(Appendix 4 – Page 47)

Jonathan Cowper
Project Architect (early design phase)
(Appendix 4 – Page 48)

Rob Beaman
Project Architect (delivery design phase)
(Appendix 4 – Page 49)

Rob Cutler
Architectural Technician
(Appendix 4 – Page 50)
AEDAS were brought into the Leicester BSF scheme with an enviable portfolio of successful
education projects and a track record for quality, effectiveness and efficiency. They were
asked to function as the architect and lead consultant on seven of the fifteen school projects,
including St Paul School.
Jonathan Cowper was the key individual in progressing the overall design from concept
stage to financial close, before making way for Rob Beaman to finalise the detailed design
and manage the site co-ordination element. As the design progressed and feedback from
the Climate Change Adaptation Study was received, Jonathan had to assess the adaptability
of the overall design, not only in terms of the desired aspiration, but also the affordable
reality.
Rob Beaman has proven himself to be a more than capable understudy for Jonathan
Cowper and has continued to progress the detailed design at St Pauls so that all aspects are
considered and the very best overall design solution is generated. He is ably supported by
Rob Cutler, who brings a practical knowledge to the team and by Clive Breese who oversees
the architectural team and helps to direct high-level decisions with the benefit of his
considerable industry experience.
70
07/05/2017
MBCE (Structural & Civil Engineers)

Mark Brock
Director

Nick Hibberd
Project Engineer (early design phase)

Mike Martin
Project Engineer (delivery design phase)
As with AEDAS, MBCE were appointed because of its previous track record and experience
within the education sector. Nick Hibberd worked tirelessly during the initial design
development stages in order to ensure that the steel frame design co-ordinated with a
complicated G.A layout, challenging adjacency aspirations and increasingly important M&E
design solutions. He also led his own internal team and worked closely with AEDAS’
landscape architect, Chris Price to ensure that the development of the external hard and soft
landscaping design satisfied a number of different project drivers.
These included addressing the existing site’s flooding issues, satisfying the requirements of
the Environment Agency, assessing a balanced ‘cut-and-fill’ exercise with improved external
levels, and determining where best SUDS technology could be introduced within the hardlandscaping.
Mark Brock helped to support Nick from a position of authority and experience and when
Mike Martin eventually took over the role of Project Lead from Nick, Mark helped him to
continue the development and adaptation work that had been so effectively begun by his
predecessor.
PWP Building Services Limited (M&E Contractor)

Bob Sowter
Director

Dave England
Electrical Contracts Director (Appendix 4 – Page 52)
(Appendix 4 – Page 51)
During the early concept design development stages, Miller Construction (UK) Limited
appointed Capita Symonds to prepare the M&E design in conjunction with its own in-house
M&E Manager, Dave Beckwith. Following the BSF Design Stage 2 submission, PWP
Building Services Limited was appointed as the M&E Contractor to develop the design to
‘Construction’ status and to install it on site.
Bob and Dave have worked hard to advance the design and rationalise the initial concept
work into a financially viable, realistic and achievable solution. Along with Anderson Green
they were critical in assessing the potential adaptability options generated by the Climate
Change Adaptation Study and the determination of what could be progressed as ‘best
practice’ in the future and what might have to remain purely aspirational.
71
07/05/2017
Anderson Green (M&E Design Consultants)

Carl Blake
Mechanical Engineer
(Appendix 4 – Page 53)

Steve Cragg
Electrical Engineer
(Appendix 4 – Page 54)
Anderson Green was appointed by PWP Building Services Limited as its specialist design
consultants on the St Paul School project. Carl and Steve have brought a practical element
to the assessment of potential adaptability proposals, as well as helping the rest of the
design team to appreciate the practicalities of ensuring that a building operates as intended
instead of merely looking aesthetically pleasing. Without their help, a great deal of the
conclusions associated with heating, overheating and ventilation would not have been
possible.
It should be noted that the consultants listed above were appointed exclusively as the
Design Team for the Leicester BSF St Paul’s School project, (with the exception of Dr Wright
and his team at the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development – De Montfort
University, Leicester, who were appointed specifically for their expertise in generating the
modelling data required for the Climate Change Adaptation Study.)
Despite this, each consultant has utilised its various specialisms to add value to the Study in
addition to their contracted roles and responsibilities.
There has been no sub-division of project teams or individuals and each consultant has
continued to function via the Miller Construction (UK) Limited, Project Manager and Design
Manager in line with the main construction contract. Any work undertaken for the Climate
Change Adaptation Study has been in addition to the main consultant responsibilities, but
delivered via the same reporting and operating structure instigated for the BSF Project.
As a lot of the detailed design work had already been completed by the time the findings of
the Climate Change Adaptation Study were finalised, they did not directly affect the design
decision making process for the St Paul’s School project. However, Miller Construction (UK)
Limited’s main intention for the exercise was not to inform project design development, but to
supplement and reinforce its existing Design Guide. In doing so, the Study served to support
a lot of the best practice guidelines and design ethos already being applied to the St Paul’s
School project and indeed Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s projects in general throughout
the country.
Following the finalisation of the Study data, a ‘Best Practice Workshop’ was included as part
of the regular Design Team Meeting in June. At this meeting the design principles being
applied to the St Paul’s RC School project were assessed alongside the findings of the
Climate Change Adaptation Study Interim Report. Matching design principles were
highlighted, as were areas where the design differed from the recommendations made within
the Report. Reasons for the differences were assessed and the findings of the workshop
were used to compile the final data that has been included within Section 3 of the Final
Report.
72
07/05/2017
The Initial Project Plan And Its Development
The original plan was to concentrate the team’s efforts on the climate change aspects
associated with the refurbishment of the existing buildings. However, with the decision to
minimise the overall works to the retained estate and the fact that the new-build element of
the project would be far larger than originally planned, it was decided that the focus of the
Climate Change Adaptation Study would be the new school building.
Unavoidable delays in the decision making process have required project extensions which
were not ideal in maintaining the overall project flow and data development. These delays
have however been used to positively influence the overall scheme.

A more robust, efficient and financially secure design concept has been developed
that far better reflects the requirements of the Client and End-User

A broader selection of adaptability principles have been explored due to the
additional time that was afforded to the team

The budget constraints that dictated the delays have allowed conclusions and ‘best
practice’ principles to be developed for a number of scenarios, including future
schemes with extremely challenging budgetary constraints

A better concept of transferable ‘best practice’ conclusions between the education
and any other comparable construction sectors has been possible due to the
additional time available for review and consideration
As with most aspects of the construction industry, it is often necessary to adapt to changes
in the predicted programme.
By utilising Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s previous experience of the industry, it has
been possible to turn a potentially frustrating delay into a positive learning experience that
has made for a more fully developed exercise overall.
Resources And Tools Used During The Exercise
In terms of the resources and tools used during the exercise, the team working on the
Climate Change Adaptation Study used a variety of different methods and mediums to
ensure that the full gamut of potential data streams were explored.
Providing data through the use of a theoretical, simulation; the team at De Montfort
University used the Energy Plus simulation engine running on a high powered computer
cluster within the jEPlus environment. This was found to be a very suitable tool for the
problem and reacted well to the material data and variables that were programmed into it.
There were however, some issues with the weather data, and it is considered that future
projections will not be very good at predicting extreme events such as heat waves, as there
is very little practical control over this. That being said, the results should be reliable for the
current climate, and in relative terms for future climate consideration.
Miller Construction (UK) Limited and the wider Design Team sought to complement the
computer simulation data with conclusions drawn from collective practical experience and
industry published data. Brainstorming sessions, co-ordination meetings and general
workshops were organised in small, medium and large groups so that ‘lessons learnt’ could
be considered and recorded, (as noted previously on Page 68 of this Report)
73
07/05/2017
Through these exercises, it was possible to draw on the considerable experience of a
collected group of industry specialists and to generate a robust ‘do’s and don’ts’ list.
These sessions were generally considered to be highly effective and beneficial as they
considered all aspects of a project from a number of different perspectives and didn’t merely
concentrate on the issues of specific importance to the architect, or the contractor etc. The
only potential problem that was identified was the fact that they were entirely reflective in
nature, being based on past project reviews and as such only concentrated on the current
climate and not future developments. In order to maximise the potential of this data it is
therefore crucial to review it in conjunction with the University’s simulation information and
adapt it accordingly for future prediction.
Miller Construction (UK) Limited also utilised industry standard documentation to provide
accepted data sources that were used in generating its balanced ‘best practice’ principles.
These documents included Building Bulletins, Building Regulations, guidance documents
and a variety of sustainability reports and publications. As a source of base information they
were highly beneficial, but as with anything they were only deemed truly relevant when they
were applied in conjunction with project specific information.
Where practicable, (and where not included within the main body of the text) full references
and links to the resources and tools used during this process and the development of the
Climate Change Adaptation Study Report have been included as footnotes. These footnotes
can be found at the bottom of pages; thirty-one, thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-six, thirty-seven
and twenty-seven, as well as Appendices page twenty-two.
It is important when undertaking a similar Climate Change Adaptation Study to assess as
wide a range of technical expertise and data sources as possible. The theoretical computer
simulation is a very effective means of providing clinical data, as well as providing future
prediction capabilities.
This should be coupled with first hand, practical experience from industry specialists. By
sourcing this information from as wide a spectrum as possible it is possible to generate a
compendium of information that covers all aspects of a project; aspirational and based on
real-life constraints.
Constructive Reflection Of Overall Approach And Recommendations
With regards to the computer modelling aspect of the study, we would recommend the
optimisation process as it is straightforward to set up and provides a very comprehensive
output.
This was the team’s considered opinion when compared to the typical results generated
from a single or a limited number of designs with ‘manual’ changes that frequently results in
a non-optimal solution. However, it should be noted that the selection of weather data
remains an open question depending on the location and the project specific criteria to be
considered.
In addition to the simulation element of the study, a number of key observations can be
made. Firstly, the importance of an experienced and competent Project and Design Team
cannot be underestimated, especially if complemented by a knowledgeable Client and EndUser, well educated in the specific nature of the construction process. By choosing your
team well, it is possible to provide decades of practical experience on a variety of projects
that cover many difference disciplines and industry sectors.
Secondly, it is important to note the constraints to theoretical adaptation proposals that are
enforced by the contract documentation hierarchy.
74
07/05/2017
Documents such as the Authorities Requirements, Contractors Proposals, NBS
Specifications and the budget; can be coupled with industry requirements such as Building
Bulletins and Building Regulations to create a number of competing requirements that need
to be assessed. In an ideal world, a mutually acceptable middle-ground will be reached, but
in certain instances, the contractual hierarchy of this documentation will need to be
observed.
Thirdly, by determining how the Climate Change Adaptation Study fits within the main project
development process and indeed the overall contract sequence of works, far more
productive and co-ordinated outputs can be derived from it. Although the exercise has been
extremely beneficial at St Pauls, certain elements could have been improved. One example
of this is the fact that the drainage design was practically complete before HSP Consulting
became involved in the scheme. Due to this it was hard for them to influence and affect the
overall design without negatively affecting the cost and programme and their experience and
advice was perhaps not used to its fullest advantage.
SUDS design is also typically considered far too late in a construction project i.e. after the
initial external landscaping design layout has been substantially progressed, meaning that
specialist SUDS consultants have to try and squeeze these sustainability principles into the
constraints of an existing design.
It would be far more effective and efficient to consider SUDS earlier in the overall process
instead of trying to add features later in the development process, which can be extremely
difficult to accommodate i.e. ponds etc. If this was also programmed with a fully interactive
Climate Change Adaptation Study the overall benefit could be doubled.
Finally, when running a similar Climate Change Adaptation Study it is crucial to identify the
key roles and responsibilities as early in the process as possible. It is also important to
identify an overall Project Lead to own, manage and co-ordinate the delivery of the final
report.
Each specialist organisation will manage and deliver its own element of works, but without
an overall lead to direct the co-ordination of these elements, they will merely resemble an
un-jointed collection of random data instead of the cohesive and structured report that is
desired.
Having completed the exercise, it is considered that the best placed person to act as overall
Project Lead is the Project Manager or Design Manager for the participating construction
company.
As it is most likely that the main Project and Design Team members will be utilised for the
Climate Change Adaptation Study, (as was the case with the St Paul’s Project) these
individuals will already have the project hierarchy established and the relationships and
reporting structure set-out and running efficiently. This will provide the most efficient and
economical method of management and avoid unnecessary duplication of the associated
tasks.
75
07/05/2017
Although there are obviously a large number of tasks associated with running a Climate
Change Adaptation Study and in compiling the final report, several key roles and
responsibilities can be identified and these should be delegated to the various specialisms,
but overseen by the Project Lead who will retain overall control of the project:

Feasibility Study – Project Lead

Defining the Project Description – Project Lead

Concept Design – Project Design Team, (most specifically the architect and
mechanical engineer. Sub-team lead by the architect as the usual Project Lead
Designer)

Climate Risk Assessment – Specialist (i.e. Institute of Energy and Sustainable
Development – De Montfort University, Leicester. Lead by the specialist, but
reporting directly to the Project Lead)

Specialist Design Input – Specialists (i.e. HSP Consulting. Lead by the various
specialists, but co-ordinated by and reporting directly to the Project Lead)

Concept Design Review/ Options Appraisal – Entire Project Team (co-ordinated by
and reporting directly to the Project Lead)

Quantitive Risk Assessment – Entire Project Team (co-ordinated by and reporting
directly to the Project Lead)

Re-Design – Entire Design Team (co-ordinated by and reporting directly to the
Project Lead)

Assessment of the Study’s ramifications in terms of the wider Construction Industry –
Project Lead

Valuations Pre and Post Adaptation – Project Quantity Surveyor (reporting directly to
the Project Lead)

Preparation of the Final Report – Project Lead

Dissemination of the Main Learning Points – Project Lead
Client’s Decision Making Process
The best method of assisting the Client in making project decisions, influencing the decision
making process and facilitating the implementation of recommendations is through relevant
and on-going discussion. These discussions can take place either at specific meetings, or as
an agenda item on the regular Client Review meetings that are required on a monthly basis
within most Construction Projects. It is vital that no one party is considered to be an entity in
its own right, but that all members of the Project Team are seen to be key constituent parts
in its overall success or failure.
The main attendees for any review meeting should be the Client and the Project Lead and
depending on the discussion topic and agenda for each session, key individuals and
specialists should be invited to attend and contribute with the benefit of their various
specialisms
By establishing a mutual trust from the outset it is possible to provide technical feedback in
Client meetings in the form of well-reasoned, sensibly presented proposals.
76
07/05/2017
It is also possible to recommend ‘best-value’ through a well-structured value engineering
process that doesn’t merely result in stripping cost from the scheme, but instead
concentrates on maximising the various project elements, dependant on the key individual
drivers; such as cost, quality, sustainability, future adaptability etc.
Prior to Financial Close, this can take the form of on-going design development as a reaction
to Client requests and overall Project Team development. Following Financial Close, the
best method of reviewing and adapting the design is via the Reviewable Design Data (RDD)
process, where the Client comments on the developing design and helps to structure the
most desirable final outcome. The items contained on the RDD list are agreed at the formal
signing of the contract and help to streamline the areas of detailed design discussion. It is
also possible at any time during the project for the Client to issue an instruction to amend the
design, although there will be resultant design costs in addition to material costs if this is
pursued.
In relation to the Climate Change Adaptation Study, the Client, (Leicester City Council) was
always seen as a key part of the Project Team. Adaptation measures are clearly
advantageous, but specific project factors such as budget, programme, End-User
requirements etc, not to mention the intention to only use the St Pauls School Study as
guidance for future schemes, meant that where there was the possibility of including
adaptation measures within the final design they needed to be discussed in detail first.
Certain items were addressed during regular Client meetings and others through the RDD
process described above. Where a measure was deemed to be affordable and desirable
without unduly effecting the essential design concept it was agreed and instructed by the
Client and adopted by Miller Construction (UK) Limited and this was managed via the
Change Control Process. Through a collaborative and open approach the Climate Change
Adaptation Study specifics were assessed by the entire Project Team and this in turn helped
to structure the resultant ‘lessons learnt’ workshops that would follow.
Although Leicester City Council had no practical input in generating the report or developing
the Study as a whole, they were an intrinsic part in determining how best to action the results
that the Study generated.
77
07/05/2017
5.0
Section 5: Extending Adaptation To Other Buildings
Applicability To Other Buildings And Building Projects
In order to generate the raw data, conclusions and recommendations contained within this
report, it was necessary to focus on a single live project instead of a more diverse selection
of likely schemes. It was also considered beneficial to focus on an education project instead
of a scheme from another sector due to the nature of the Client and End-User meaning that
it frequently required the design to address, ‘more vulnerable’ classifications. By selecting a
technically demanding scheme, it was felt that the most diverse selection of adaptation
variables could be assessed and a wider number of potentially constraining project dictates
examined.
Although the variables considered were derived directly from a live secondary school
scheme, they are not exclusive to the education sector and everyone can be applied to
similar schemes in other construction sectors.
Externally; sound drainage design, sensible levels and passive shading from neighbouring
trees are applicable design dictates for any scheme. The St Paul’s School scheme was
constrained by a very challenging budget and although permeable surfaces and SUDS
technologies were explored and included within the final design, they were not maximised.
With privately financed projects, or schemes were the majority of the budget has not been
allocated to maximising the internal return on GIFA, it would be possible to really push the
potential of these beneficial innovations.
With the external building façade; the choice of cladding, building overhangs and the
benefits to be gained from maximising the thickness of the vertical insulation are universal.
Solar glazing was identified by both the University team and Miller Construction (UK)
Limited’s review sessions as being highly beneficial in terms of anti-glare provision and the
reduction of passive heat gain. Rather than being constrained to the education sector, this
functional and aesthetic approach should be applied to all construction sectors. Indeed,
where there are fewer guideline documents, statutory regulations and Building Bulletins to
address in other sectors, the freedom to use solar glazing as a truly flexible design tool
should be considered as a key project driver.
The problems associated with exposed concrete floor slabs was discussed in earlier
Sections and it is still the author’s opinion that as an effective adaptation option it has a
number of key problems that prevent it from being a definite recommendation. This also
does not improve by applying the same precedent to other construction sectors as
comparatively speaking; education facilities do not require a huge amount of M&E
equipment. If you consider the increased requirement for medical gases, dedicated electrical
runs and robust back-up systems within healthcare projects, the possibility of omitting an
above ceiling service zone and exposing the slab becomes even more unrealistic.
With the recommendations given in terms of renewable technologies, more efficient
hardware and low-heat emitting computers; the challenging constraints of the typical
education project limits their potential as an adaptability variable. In other sectors where a
more generous budget might be available, these options could be explored and their
potential effectiveness maximised.
As noted above, we would consider this approach to design as universally applicable, but for
completeness we have detailed below some specific examples of how this ethos might be
specifically applied to both public and private sector projects.
78
07/05/2017
Public Sector
EDUCATION
The Climate Change Adaptation Study undertaken for the St Paul’s School project was
chosen specifically in order to demonstrate, assess and address the requirements of a
typical education scheme. We went into some detail with regards to GIFA and budgetary
constraints, the complexities of an existing ‘live’ site and building, and the need to deliver an
individual ‘wow’ factor, whilst adhering to a wider batch similarity in terms of design.
None of these factors are unique to St Pauls School as all of them are commonly
experienced with ever primary and secondary school design project, which makes the study
undertaken by Miller Construction (UK) Limited particularly applicable in informing future
school designs. Although not as similar in terms of the specific project variables, University
projects might be even more suitable for assessment in terms of this study, due to the
greater funding, flexibility and freedom afforded to them by the Client. A greater budget and
propensity to consider more expensive materials and technology would result in an
increased ability to action some of the conclusions drawn from the study itself.
HEALTHCARE
Although typically far larger and more complicated than the design required for Education
projects, Healthcare schemes are equally suited to the type of design concept championed
by this report. The massive volume of complicated M&E requirements mirrors the dismissal
of exposed soffits noted in this report. In addition to this, there is far more scope to
investigate the use of thermal mass in the structure and façade, which was a concept
strongly pushed by the De Montfort University team.
The need for cutting edge technology as well as modern and reliable M&E solutions within
Healthcare buildings also mean that renewable technologies, more efficient hardware and
low heating emitting devices such as personal computers are more likely to be considered
essential as opposed to ‘nice to have’s’ and the full scope of this report and its findings could
be considered in a lot more depth and detail.
DEFENCE
With the far more stringent and unique project drivers necessary for Defence projects such
as police stations, prisons and MOD buildings, the core lessons to be learnt from this report
remain applicable, but a more in depth and specific review would be advisable. While some
constraints to sustainable innovation have been covered in this study, very little is mentioned
about safety and security directives such as ‘Secure By Design’ and national security
initiatives and these must be fully addressed in order to determine a sensible set of
conclusions and recommendations.
SPECIALIST PROJECTS
Schemes involving a great degree of specialism such as naval architecture, where the
specifics of salt corrosion and greater climatic variables must be fully understood can use
the findings of this study as a solid start to any Climate Change Adaptation Study, but as
with Defence projects, should ideally undertake a full, specific and much more detailed
assessment in order to maximise the potential benefits of any such assessment.
79
07/05/2017
Private Sector
Offices, retail projects and residential schemes are more geared towards providing the
maximum profit to the private developers who invest in them as opposed to the schemes
considered as a necessity by the Government. Nonetheless, the findings of this report can
easily be applied to almost every private section project.
Furthermore, the findings of this report are far more likely to be adopted by private
developers who are constantly looking for a unique selling point in response to the demands
of their market. In today’s modern society there is an increasing awareness of sustainable
principles and a desire for them to be addressed in our homes, workplaces and places of
leisure. Any developer that invested heavily in reducing a building’s carbon footprint,
maximising the SUDS and renewable technology potential and increasing the efficiency of its
M&E solution as recommended in this study report would undoubtedly benefit as a result.
Regardless of the sector, the budget or the nature of the design being progressed, one
universal variable that should be carefully considered in every instance is the maintenance
programme. Even the most high-tech, high-end product will soon deteriorate if it is not
maintained properly and conversely a far greater return on investment can be achieved from
even a relatively modest item, if it is properly looked after.
Limiting Factors Applicable To Other Buildings
Even though a lot of the recommendations taken from this study can be said to have truly
universal application potential, it must be noted that they were derived from a set of project
specific criteria.
 Secondary school project
 Entirely new-build
 Part of an existing building complex, in a live environment
 Only partly addressing a number of potential existing problems
 Located in a residential area, on a shared site with a large number of existing mature
trees
 Located in a ‘city centre’ site in Leicester, in the Midlands
 Involving a challenging budget
 Part of a specific BSF ‘design and build’ contract structure
 Part of a wider multi-phase project
 Utilising a number of supply-chain agreements already in place
 Using theoretical computer simulations
 Requiring adherence to a number of key contract documents such as the Authorities
Requirements and the Contractors Proposals
Listed above are only twelve of the numerous project specific criteria that make up the St
Pauls School scheme.
80
07/05/2017
Each item can be regarded as un-extraordinary in isolation, but as with any project, it is only
a culmination of its contributing parts and the greater the number of challenging elements
that you include within a project, the more unique you will make it.
Although the principles explored can be considered as generic, to utilise them without fully
accepting this would be foolish. This is especially true of the computer simulations that can
only produce data once a carefully selected set of design variables have been inputted.
Weather patterns vary, material selection and availability vary, future predictions vary,
technological advancements vary etc. This study and its recommendations should be used
to broadly define a design intent, but detailed design specifics should only be developed
following a review of project specific drivers and constraints.
Design Variables
By assessing the key project variables contained earlier in this report, we can further define
how they may, or may not benefit the design development procedure for other buildings.
DRAINAGE DESIGN
A sound, economical and efficient drainage design should be a definitive requirement on any
project, however new drainage runs are massively limited by the quality of the existing
installation, especially with extension projects and live sites. If there is not the funding or
desire to undertake a significant amount of remedial work, then advanced SUDS
technologies can be largely pointless in the grand scheme of things.
EXTERNAL LEVELS
As with drainage design and the St Pauls Project, if the intention is to maximise the GIFA
and the building design and the expense of the external landscaping strategy, it will not be
possible to maximise the benefits in terms of flood avoidance and climatic adaptation
strategy.
PASSIVE SHADDING
As might be expected, for this to be utilised as part of the overall design solution; substantial,
nearby and mature trees need to be present. This tends to preclude an inner city, urban site
and anywhere where the cost, programme or intent revolve around substantial site clearance
and not maximum tree preservation
BUDGET
Budget constraints are a fact of life for any project, but the practical application of the
findings in this report are only truly effective, if the ethos on what project drivers to value
remain the same. Cost was considered the main driving force for the St Pauls Project, as is
the case in the majority of projects, but where programme, quality or sustainability are
considered more of a leading factor, this would in all likelihood have a different effect on the
recommendations made in this report.
CLADDING
The team at De Montfort University championed the use of reflective cladding solutions, but
due to the stage of the current design, planning restrictions and the tight budget, it was not
possible to pursue them.
81
07/05/2017
Where planning constraints are less traditional and the expanses of façade are more
substantial; such as shopping centres, hospitals and office blocks etc, the potential benefits
afforded by this type of cladding solution could be much more in keeping with a different
project’s design ethos.
OVERHANGS
Extensive roof overhangs are a cost effective and highly popular solution to excessive heat
gain and glare. However, there will inevitably be projects where the desired solution revolves
more around solar glazing and other technology based design solutions. In these instances,
this report doesn’t address the potential positive and negative aspects of the alternative
solutions and as such it would be irresponsible to suggest that the solution utilised at St
Pauls should be championed as ‘best practice’ for all other projects.
MAXIMISED THERMAL INSULATION
While the team at De Montfort University championed a reduction in the insulation of the
vertical façade, the move towards ‘Zero Carbon’ buildings means that whatever the building,
or the sector, insulation will be maximised and the designs used to retain heat, prevent leaks
and offer as efficiently as possible. To this extent, our findings in this report can be applied
across the board by any future project team
EXPOSED SOFFITS
Ceiling voids continue to be utilised as the main service route in a large number of buildings
and are invaluable in hospital and school design solutions. However, for projects with a
greater budget and desire for distinctive, enhanced quality exposed soffits are still very
popular. One example of this seems to be in University buildings.
In these instances, additional service risers and a need to more carefully consider the M&E
runs within the design become paramount. This is a very different set of design criteria than
that used at St Pauls and as such, the conclusions drawn and the recommendations made in
this report would not be considered applicable without further assessment and review.
RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES AND MORE EFFICIENT M&E
Although the specific solutions applicable for each project should be considered on an
individual basis, the general ethos championed in this report and its findings should be seen
as universal. By valuing and including the most advanced and efficient systems as possible,
every building project is enhanced and the only variable that should be considered is the
type and the extent of its inclusion.
UK Based Buildings That Might Benefit From Similar Recommendations
This report was intended to support and complement BB101 in terms of its practical
application to the works undertaken by Miller Construction (UK) Limited and the way that
both documents will be used going forward by the relevant Project/ Site Teams. It could even
be said to better the recommendations made in the Building Bulletin as a lot of the measures
proposed are in excess of the BB101 recommendations. Although the building source used
is a typical secondary school and the main focus clearly that of the education sector, a great
many of the principles discussed are generic in nature and therefore applicable to all manner
of buildings and building sectors.
82
07/05/2017
Due to this universal approach, the report, its findings and its recommendations can be
deemed suitable for application to almost any building within the United Kingdom.
In addition to this, we have gone into more detail with regards to the public and private
sector application of this report’s findings in Section 5a - Applicability To Other Buildings And
Building Projects.
Resources, Tools and Materials Developed For Providing Adaptation Services
In 2000, Miller Construction (UK) Limited developed a Design Manual following lessons
learnt from its Glasgow School project. The Design Manual was seen as the definitive tool in
defining the design function within the business and something to provide its internal design
team with a document that would provide definitive guidance on the materials, procedures
and processes necessary to create efficient, economical and adaptable component lead
design solutions.
Items such as a minimum 3m floor to ceiling height in order to meet the BB101 requirements
for ventilation, over-heating and natural light ingress and the use of mixed-mode ventilation
solutions were included and as a result, were incorporated as the standard Miller
Construction (UK) Limited design solutions for all of its projects.
In 2011, Andrew McGarva, the Area Director for the Midlands and South West developed
the initial Design Manual with a key team of Miller Construction (UK) Limited professionals,
so that it remained current and at the cutting edge of design development, innovation and
adaptability. This Climate Change Adaptation Study will be used to support and further
develop the Design Manual so that it can continue to provide direction in terms of ‘best
practice’ and future adaptation services for all of the projects within the Miller Construction
(UK) portfolio.
Further to the development and advancement of the Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s
Design Manual, there has also been an ongoing strategy for personal knowledge
enhancement within the company as a direct result of this study. The core details from this
report and the process that went into developing it have been captured in a PowerPoint
presentation and senior management within Miller Construction (UK) Limited are considering
how best to role this out to the wider workforce. Initial thoughts are to introduce the concept
to the design personnel, assess the impact and then look at delivering the information to the
wider disciplines such as Project Managers and Commercial Managers. N.B. A copy of this
PowerPoint presentation has been included within the overall report package, but not as a
specific appendix item
The people who have worked on the Climate Change Adaptation Study have found the
process to be informative, useful and highly beneficial in changing the way that they consider
project design. To this end, Miller Construction (UK) Limited have decided to retain these
personnel as a live resource for future projects. Through a process of consultation and
advice, information can easily be disseminated by company ‘champions’ and the valuable
‘lessons learnt’ not lost as the official process comes to an end.
The team at De Montfort University have proved a valuable resource and a unique source of
technical information that was critical in steering the conclusions made in this report. Due to
this Miller Construction (UK) Limited are keen to maintain an ongoing professional
relationship that will allow them to quickly assess similar issues in the future. This
relationship seems to be mutually beneficial as the team at the University can expand its
knowledge database with actual project information instead of the more theoretical
information that it has on its current database.
83
07/05/2017
Finally, it is hoped that this exercise will not prove to be a ‘one-off’ but more a start of a
process that will develop the company’s future direction and the mindset of its employees.
Although the resources, tools and materials that were immediately developed might appear
to be relatively modest, the expectation is that these will be added to, enhanced and
developed by future projects and continuous betterment and development, where climate
change is a key project driver and not merely a secondary concern.
Further Needs In Order To Provide Adaptation Services
The Miller Construction (UK) Limited Design Manual is a fluid, constantly evolving document
that stands as elegant proof of the need to adapt and develop, instead of merely accepting
currently accepted ideals. While the means of identifying possible betterment of this
document may change, (the Climate Change Adaption Study being a prime example of this)
the Manual itself will remain the core document for Miller Construction (UK) Limited design
guidance.
The Design Manual is the Miller Construction (UK) Limited template for all of its design
approaches and will be further revised following the recommendations of this report, so that
it continues to incorporate the refinements necessary to realise the company’s mission
statement, most specifically the desire to; “Be the sector’s best partner, employer and
innovator.” It is hoped that through forward thinking approaches such as this that Miller
Construction (UK) Limited might also help to refine and develop BB101 for the betterment of
building design and development in the future.
In addition to the Design Manual, the company will need to invest in its people and it’s
processes as noted previously in Section 5d - Resources, Tools and Materials Developed
For Providing Adaptation Services. A greater focus on the requirements necessary to
address climate change will be required throughout all areas of the business and this will be
facilitated through a system of formal presentations and informal mentoring.
Also, as part of each new project, the budget will need to include for potential Climate
Change assessments and the need to involve specialist such as the team at De Montfort
University. Rather than merely seeing environmental and sustainable issues as easy options
to be ‘Value Engineered’ out of a scheme due to cost saving initiatives, they will need to be
used as positive selling points during competitive tenders and critical design drivers during
the detailed design development stage.
With a more unified approach to the changing needs of the industry and the planet as a
whole, Miller Construction (UK) Limited will seek to re-invent itself in order to remain at the
forefront of construction and deliver on its core directives:

Deliver world class standards to our customers

Deliver outstanding levels of performance for our shareholders and

Be the sector’s best partner, employer and innovator
84
07/05/2017
Conclusion
This report goes into some detail about the surveys and reviews that were undertaken in
order to analyse and determine the quality of the existing building stock at St Paul’s School.
This approach quickly revealed that the renovation and refurbishment of the existing building
stock was simply not economical and did not offer the client value for money. It was also
clear that the carbon footprint of the existing building stock was far too great and was
considered too poor to maintain, even with refurbishment and enhancement.
Due to this, Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s project strategy was to remove as much of the
poor existing building stock as possible and replace it with new and improved facilities.
In doing so a number of the long-standing functionality issues were addressed, a more
economical, efficient and adaptable solution offered and the optimisation of life-cycle
benefits realised.
When coupled with the work undertaken by the Team at De Montfort University, it was
possible for Miller Construction (UK) Limited to not only identify key adaptability issues to
benefit the St Pauls RC School project, but also design elements that could be amended for
future schemes in a number of different sectors.
Ultimately it is clear that the Climate Change Adaptability Study undertaken at St Pauls RC
School has proven highly informative and beneficial for the company in identifying areas for
change and supporting and enhancing areas of ‘Best Practice’ that had already been
identified in Miller Construction (UK) Limited’s existing Design Manual.
85
07/05/2017