Energy prices could stop BSF hitting zero-carbon targets

Rising energy prices could see refurbished BSF schools struggle to meet new energy targets, a leading contractor has warned.

Chris Whitehead, Balfour Beatty Capital Projects director, raised his concerns during a Partnerships for Schools conference panel discussion, chaired by Radio Four broadcaster John Humphrys.

Delegates had spoken of the challenges of refurbishing BSF schools and the demands of meeting the government's new zero-carbon targets for schools.

Responding to the comments, Whitehead called for a cautionary approach to refurbishment in the light of energy price rises. He questioned whether the balance between new and refurbished schools on the BSF programme was right.

"With rising energy prices, the mix between new and refurbished schools will need to change. Unless we can strip an existing school back to its frame, you will never be able to refurbish to a level that meets modern energy demands," he warned.