Hannah Gains assesses how educational estates can adapt in an era of increased climate awareness and extreme weather conditions

With Storms Bert and Darragh forcing widespread school closures and climate data confirming the hottest and wettest year on record, the urgency for schools to adapt to a changing climate has never been clearer. The impact of extreme weather events is being felt globally, from wildfires to floods, and education facilities are no exception, as they must evolve to futureproof their estate and ensure continuity of education.

Schools’ ageing estates face a variety of challenges as extreme weather becomes more frequent and severe. Strong winds and storms threaten roofs, trees on site and other infrastructure. During winter, snow and ice is also likely to force closures, particularly in schools with older boilers or roof leaks. Closures not only disrupt learning but also place significant pressure on estate managers who juggle reactive repairs with proactive planning.

In the UK, two of the most pressing risks are flooding and overheating. Climate models predict that by 2050, extreme overheating in schools will increase fivefold, leading to up to five lost days of learning annually. Additionally, heavier rainfall, expected to increase by 59% in the next five years, amplifies an already high risk of flooding. Education providers must prioritise resilience to ensure they can continue to provide high-quality teaching, regardless of challenges.

Forward-thinking schools are already incorporating innovative features to boost climate resilience. In London, for example, a pilot programme Climate Resilient Schools has started to focus on upgrading vulnerable estates. These projects include installing sustainable urban drainage systems such as rain planters, which capture rainwater from roofs while enhancing biodiversity. Thames Water has also partnered with local schools to address vulnerabilities in estates, addressing water leaks, installing rainwater capture systems and integrating sustainability into the curriculum to engage students and teachers.

To begin building resilience, schools must first assess their current vulnerabilities. Estate managers play a key role in evaluating growing risks, such as proximity to flood zones, the condition of ageing infrastructure and susceptibility to overheating. Regular assessments are vital, as climate-related risks are evolving rapidly. For example, certain classrooms with a large number of windows may overheat in the summer, but equally be too cold in the winter, which requires targeted upgrades before this has significant effects on learning.

These seemingly small upgrades can have a huge difference on the resilience of a school estate. For example, a large number of schools still have old single-glazed windows, which can create vulnerabilities. By upgrading to modern windows, education providers not only protect themselves against the weather, but reduce heat loss, improve sound insulation and eliminate condensation, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable learning environment year-round.

A comprehensive approach includes addressing the short-, medium- and long-term vulnerabilities and ensuring that schools and estate managers are equipped with the knowledge to adapt to immediate and future challenges.

While large-scale implementation of climate-resilient technologies is still in its early stages, pilot programmes offer valuable lessons. These initiatives demonstrate the importance of addressing high-impact changes, such as flooding and embedding sustainability into the curriculum, giving schools examples of how scalable solutions can be adopted and tailored to their specific needs.

Minimising the effect of schools on the environment with renewable energy and sustainable building materials are critical components of futureproofing estates. Incorporating solar panels, rainwater harvesting or using alternative construction methods, such as offsite construction, not only reduces the carbon footprint of the estate but also ensures energy resilience during potential disruptions. If schools aren’t using renewable energy or thinking about long-term energy use as climate targets gets closer, they are not futureproofing. These technologies and materials are essential for aligning with the UK’s net zero goals and securing the long-term health and sustainability of education facilities.

However, climate resilience isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s also about fostering a culture of sustainability. It’s important that schools are doing their bit to encourage behaviour changes that reduce energy use with simple changes such as turning off lights and heating during weekends and holidays. Government-backed initiatives like the Net Zero Accelerator Programme emphasise accountability and engagement at all levels.

By involving pupils in activities such as maintaining rain planters or participating in reducing energy, schools can empower the next generation to prioritise sustainability as part of their daily lives. Programmes like meat-free Mondays and sustainable building projects further instil sustainable values in pupils and staff.

In an era of extreme weather, climate resilient schools are a necessity. By addressing vulnerabilities, integrating sustainable technologies and considering alternative construction methods, the education estate can create a robust environment for pupils to thrive. With the right education and partnerships, the education sector can lead the way for the next generation.

Hannah Gains is the national education manager at construction firm Net Zero Buildings.

Hannah Gains