Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct is part of a program to deliver new schools across New South Wales. The school forms an essential part of the future learning needs of 1,000 primary students, and 1,500 secondary students in Western Sydney.
Using Schools Infrastructure NSW design guidelines for the project’s sustainability goals, we provided services to help achieve carbon intensity and climate adaptation aspirations. The team undertook detailed modelling of the natural ventilation strategy to assess thermal comfort and optimise the mixed-mode operation of the mechanical ventilation, heating, and cooling systems.
To measure the embodied carbon emissions and broader environmental impacts, we undertook a life cycle assessment. In response, the project adopted the use of carpets made from 100% recycled materials, paints with Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), and simplified soffits to not include internal finishes.
A climate change risk assessment found high temperatures and flooding to be the most significant risks to the site, so we engaged with the project team to understand and develop adaptation measures. Consequently, the project adopted initiatives such as double glazing, air conditioning, and flood retention zoning to help mitigate the risks.
The school achieved high quality indoor daylight, with over 60% of the indoor spaces having access to ambient daylight through smart positioning of rooms and windows. A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 14% was achieved through energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems.
Meadowbank Schools was awarded “Best School and Best Use of Colour” by the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in 2022.
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