At Innovaré, we believe the schools of tomorrow should not only inspire learning but also protect the planet. That is why we are proud to be at the forefront of designing and delivering net zero carbon schools where every element, from structure to systems, works in harmony to create sustainable, efficient, and inspiring spaces for future generations.
Our recent Win at the British Construction and Infrastructure Awards 2025, for the Net Zero Carbon Impact Award for our work on the St Mary’s Voluntary Academy project showcases how Innovare’s i-FAST system and offsite construction expertise are helping to redefine what’s possible in education design: delivering net zero carbon in operation, low embodied carbon, and biophilic spaces that connect students to nature.
Our work on St. Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy dubbed the greenest school in the UK – highlights what’s possible when innovation meets purpose. Rebuilt after a devastating fire, St. Mary’s became the Department for Education’s pioneering ‘GenZero’ pilot, setting new standards for both net-zero operation and low embodied carbon construction.
From day one, the project embraced an ambitious goal: create a school that delivers on energy performance, well-being, and environmental responsibility all within budget and on time. The answer lay in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), and particularly in our i-FAST wall panel solution.
Manufactured from sustainably sourced timber, the i-FAST panel offers a precision engineered solution with minimal waste, exceptional thermal and structural performance, and unmatched speed of assembly. This is not just a smarter way to build it is a model for how construction can actively reduce environmental impact while improving quality and performance.
Net zero doesn’t stop at the structure it continues throughout the building’s lifetime. At St. Mary’s, a fully electric, fossil-free design powered by air source heat pumps ensures the school produces as much energy as it consumes. A 120kWp solar PV array generates 104% of the school’s annual energy demand, while triple-glazed timber windows and an airtight building envelope (U-value 0.15W/m²K) keep energy use low.
St. Mary’s embodies the principles of biophilic design, connecting students with nature to enhance learning and wellbeing. From floor-to-ceiling timber-framed windows to landscaped rain gardens, every element supports environmental awareness and comfort. The surrounding landscape featuring ninety-six new trees, wildflower meadows, and rainwater attenuation enhances biodiversity while cooling and shading the building naturally.
What began as a rebuild has become research backed benchmark for sustainable school design. Working with the University of Derby and Tilbury Douglas, the St. Mary’s project is informing the Department for Education’s future ‘GenZero’ blueprint shaping how schools across the UK can meet the government’s 2050 Net Zero Carbon target.
Through our work, Innovaré is proving that Low Carbon Fire Safe Education buildings do not have to be a trade-off they can be the standard.
