How can design support students sense of personal fulfilment in their transition to responsible adulthood?

Sustainable and inclusive schools that consider the well-being of facility users is something both students and parents want. Tarkett’s Marketing Manager for Education, Shaz Hawkins said “Greater awareness of student health and well-being, especially among younger age groups has put the fabric and environmental performance of school buildings under closer scrutiny.”

In recent years we have seen the UK’s first net-zero carbon schools be built under the Department of Education’s 10-year Schools Rebuilding Programme.  To deliver these, Architects and designers are now focussing more on better use of natural light, specifying sustainable and healthier building materials, and looking to harness renewable energy sources.

The scale of these types of projects need to be achieved on time and within budget. So, what can manufactures, like Tarkett, do to help support and design the schools of the future? We can consider how the learning environment influences or impacts individuals, which has led us to work with three key design pillars:

Specify products made from good materials

From manufacturing to design, choosing good materials ensures the highest possible standard when creating healthy, durable indoor spaces. This approach mitigates the risk of potential harmful effects on children’s health.

Phthalates, for example, are a common contaminant in indoor environments. Research suggests that they can have a detrimental effect on human health. Selecting good materials is also essential to recycling products effectively at end of use, ensuring the built environment is an active participant in the Circular Economy.

Indoor air quality & well-being

Exposure to indoor allergens is one of the highest risk factors for developing asthma, especially among infants. So indoor air and environmental quality really matters for the overall well-being of students and staff, who spend so much time in schools and educational buildings.

To improve indoor air quality, particular attention must be given to airborne particles such as dust and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). It’s important to look at reducing emissions at the source, by carefully choosing construction materials, furniture, and cleaning agents.

Take a circular approach with recyclable materials

One of the main challenges nowadays when constructing an education facility is to limit and reduce the embodied and operational carbon emissions of the building.

At Tarkett, we offer a Circular Selection of products, a group of best-in-class flooring solutions that meet sustainable criteria within the built environment. The collection includes:

Tarkett Linoleum – Subtly modern and Cradle to Cradle certified, this bio-based floor is made from 97% natural ingredients.

AirMaster – The innovative carpet tile, improves indoor air quality by capturing fine dust.

Excellence Genius – A smart, sustainable and durable loose-lay choice, eco designed to be 100% recyclable.

We want to support you in creating schools that support everyone’s well-being, whilst preserving the planet. For more information or to speak to one of the team visit - https://professionals.tarkett.co.uk/en_GB/node/tarkett-experts-in-education-flooring-11982