The environmental benefits of installing a canopy at your school
Improving the sustainability and energy efficiency of our buildings is of paramount importance. If drastic action isn’t taken, researchers predict the global temperature could pass the 1.5C global warming target figure by 2027.
However, positive steps are being taken to avoid this, and canopies can help schools to play their part.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the environmental benefits that come with installing a canopy at your school, discussing the below topics:
- Energy conservation
- Rainwater harvesting
- Solar power generation
- Outdoor learning
Energy conservation
If installed next to classroom doors or windows, canopies can significantly reduce the solar heat gain entering the building and therefore help to lower the internal temperature.
This in turn means schools do not need to rely on air conditioning as heavily during the summer months, saving costs on energy bills and reducing their carbon footprint.
Furthermore, pupil productivity also improves as a result of a cooler classroom temperature.
Lean-to’s tend to be the most energy efficient of the different canopies available, providing maximum UV protection due to their direct fixing to the outside wall. Free-standing canopies installed close to the windows will also do an excellent job, though.
Rainwater harvesting
Canopies can be designed to include rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for various purposes within the school, like irrigation or even drinking water if given the proper treatment.
And by harvesting rainwater, schools can reduce their dependence on water supplies, conserve water resources and alleviate the strain on local water systems.
Our canopies can be easily modified to raise the integral downpipes to a height where the rainwater can be distributed into a water butt.
Solar power generation
Solar canopies and carports have become incredibly popular in recent years, with the rise of electric vehicles being a key driver in this. In France, all new and existing car parks with at least 80 spaces will be covered by solar panels by 2027, following legislation approved by the French Senate in December 2022.
Schools can follow suit by ensuring they install canopies with solar panels. By harnessing the power of the sun, schools can generate electricity to supplement their energy needs and save on further energy bills.
Furthermore, not only do they provide clean and sustainable energy, but solar panelled canopies can also serve as an educational tool.
They allow students to learn about renewable energy technologies and inspire them to embrace sustainable practices in their own lives.
Outdoor learning
The previous point leads us nicely on to this section.
Canopies allow students and teachers to reap the rewards of interacting with nature throughout the year, with research showing how our health and wellbeing drastically improves as a result of this.
And by integrating outdoor learning into the curriculum, schools can inspire a deeper understanding of the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging sustainable behaviours.
Conclusion
Installing a canopy at your school is not only a great way to enhance facilities, but there are a host of environmental benefits that come with it, from energy conservation to a reduced carbon footprint.
By embracing sustainability through the installation of canopies, schools demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and provide valuable educational opportunities for students.
If you’d like to discuss a canopy installation for your school, get in touch with us here and one of our expert team will assist you.
