EQUANS, the new brand for ENGIE’s regeneration and services led activities, has completed the construction of a brand new, low-carbon assembly hall for Ashton Community Science College. The
£1 million structure includes air source heat pumps, technology which uses outside air to either heat, or cool a building. This serves as a low-carbon alternative to gas or electric heating, reducing the carbon footprint of a building.
The newly constructed hall is comprised of underfloor heating, retractable seating and a drop-down screen to ensure it’s suitable for a variety of different uses, including as an assembly hall, exam hall and lecture theatre. The site is situated within the grounds of the existing secondary school, which remained fully operational throughout.
With 23% of the UK’s emissions coming from heating and powering homes, workplaces and public buildings, EQUANS is committed to providing sustainable alternatives, such as air source heat pumps in a bid to help clients reduce their carbon emissions.
Alyson Seddon, Head of Education and Public Buildings at EQUANS, said: “We’re delighted to have completed work on this low-carbon assembly hall for Ashton College, a scheme that has provided a much-needed space whilst also helping Lancashire County Council work towards their goal of carbon net zero.
“EQUANS is proud to be helping schools transition to net zero through our ‘School Zero’ service, using our construction and retrofit capabilities to promote sustainability.”
Miss Sharon Asquith, Head Teacher at Ashton Community Science College, Preston, said: “The project was professionally managed from start to finish. EQUANS took the time to get to know us as clients and understand what was important to us as they undertook the build, and our requests were accommodated. Nothing was too much trouble for the team, who along with the contractors were excellent.
“EQUANS won the hearts and minds of our neighbours too, responding quickly and professionally to any issues raised. The new hall is beautiful, the work is high quality and the overall finished product is more than we could ever have hoped for.
