A future-proof, circular learning space
A circular and community-driven school in harmony with nature
The new Albertine Agnesschool will be a future-proof integrative child centre blended into the surrounding nature. It combines sustainability, innovation and community spirit. With an energy-neutral design, circular materials, green outdoor spaces and a focus on inclusion, the Albertine Agnesschool provides a healthy and inspiring environment for children to learn and develop in. It will be a vibrant hub for education and the local community, built with nature and the future in mind.
Netherlands
Prins Bernhardweg 33, 8453 XC Oranjewoud, Netherlands
Prototype level
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
GM0074: Heerenveen (NL)
The initiative aims to build a new, sustainable, and future-proof educational facility for the Albertine Agnesschool in Oranjewoud. The new building will serve as a so-called integrative child center, providing a nurturing and inspiring environment for children aged 0-13 years. By focusing on a strong continuous educational pathway and integral cooperation around children and parents, equal development opportunities can be provided to children. The overarching goal is to create a values-driven, energy-neutral and inclusive learning space that aligns with modern educational needs while embracing environmental and social sustainability.
The direct beneficiaries are the children that attend the school and childcare center. Families and teachers are key target groups, too. Additionally, the local community benefits from an attractive public space with a green and accessible schoolyard. This yard can serve as a meeting place outside school hours and invites children to play actively and to learn about the natural environment.
Specific objectives include:
• To develop an energy-neutral and circular school building using sustainable materials.
• To promote biodiversity by integrating green walls, a flowering hedge and sustainable landscaping.
• To ensure safe and accessible mobility by prioritizing pedestrian and cycling pathways.
• To engage the community in the co-creation of the design to reflect local needs and values.
• To provide a future-proof, adaptable learning environment that enhances the well-being of children.
The expected outcomes would be:
• A state-of-the-art, sustainable school building that meets the highest environmental standards.
• A climate-adaptive outdoor space that fosters play, learning and social interaction.
• A stronger sense of ownership and participation among stakeholders, ensuring long-term success.
• A replicable model for other municipalities seeking sustainable school development.
The direct beneficiaries are the children that attend the school and childcare center. Families and teachers are key target groups, too. Additionally, the local community benefits from an attractive public space with a green and accessible schoolyard. This yard can serve as a meeting place outside school hours and invites children to play actively and to learn about the natural environment.
Specific objectives include:
• To develop an energy-neutral and circular school building using sustainable materials.
• To promote biodiversity by integrating green walls, a flowering hedge and sustainable landscaping.
• To ensure safe and accessible mobility by prioritizing pedestrian and cycling pathways.
• To engage the community in the co-creation of the design to reflect local needs and values.
• To provide a future-proof, adaptable learning environment that enhances the well-being of children.
The expected outcomes would be:
• A state-of-the-art, sustainable school building that meets the highest environmental standards.
• A climate-adaptive outdoor space that fosters play, learning and social interaction.
• A stronger sense of ownership and participation among stakeholders, ensuring long-term success.
• A replicable model for other municipalities seeking sustainable school development.
Co-creation
Circularity
Nature-based
Energy-neutral
Deconstructable
The Albertine Agnesschool is designed with sustainability at its core, ensuring a future-proof, energy-neutral and environmentally responsible learning environment. The building meets the highest energy efficiency standards, using a VRF heat pump system and nearly 200 solar panels. LED lighting with motion sensors further reduces energy usage.
A strong commitment to circularity is reflected in material choices. The facade is clad in preserved wood, which blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings while ensuring durability and low maintenance. Recycled and bio-based materials are integrated wherever possible. Additionally, the deconstruction of the existing buildings and infrastructure will also be assessed for potential reusage or recycling, thereby reducing waste.
Heerenveen is a leader in circular construction, and has integrated residual value into its financial asset register. By ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are at least 55% deconstructable, material reuse is maximized and financing becomes easier. A material passport is created and maintained to track resources for future use.
Climate adaptation is embedded in both the building and outdoor spaces. The schoolyard supports biodiversity and mitigates heat stress, with a flowering hedge, green walls and preserved trees enhancing the ecosystem. Rainwater infiltration and sustainable paving further strengthen the site’s resilience. Special bat boxes will be placed for the bats that live on this site. In addition, there is and will remain a nest on a pole for the resident storks.
Mobility and accessibility are prioritized through pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Car parking is repositioned to protect tree growth, while bicycle storage is integrated into the landscape.
By blending energy efficiency, circular design and nature-inclusive planning, this project sets a benchmark for sustainable educational spaces, fostering environmental awareness and responsibility among students.
A strong commitment to circularity is reflected in material choices. The facade is clad in preserved wood, which blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings while ensuring durability and low maintenance. Recycled and bio-based materials are integrated wherever possible. Additionally, the deconstruction of the existing buildings and infrastructure will also be assessed for potential reusage or recycling, thereby reducing waste.
Heerenveen is a leader in circular construction, and has integrated residual value into its financial asset register. By ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are at least 55% deconstructable, material reuse is maximized and financing becomes easier. A material passport is created and maintained to track resources for future use.
Climate adaptation is embedded in both the building and outdoor spaces. The schoolyard supports biodiversity and mitigates heat stress, with a flowering hedge, green walls and preserved trees enhancing the ecosystem. Rainwater infiltration and sustainable paving further strengthen the site’s resilience. Special bat boxes will be placed for the bats that live on this site. In addition, there is and will remain a nest on a pole for the resident storks.
Mobility and accessibility are prioritized through pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly infrastructure. Car parking is repositioned to protect tree growth, while bicycle storage is integrated into the landscape.
By blending energy efficiency, circular design and nature-inclusive planning, this project sets a benchmark for sustainable educational spaces, fostering environmental awareness and responsibility among students.
The design prioritizes aesthetics and functionality simultaneously. It enhances student learning by providing a lot of natural light, spatial openness and inspiring architecture. Large windows maximize daylight entry, reducing the need for artificial lighting while fostering a strong connection with nature. This has positive effects for student (and teacher) concentration, creativity and well-being.
A key feature is the overhanging roof structures, which provide sheltered outdoor spaces for year-round outdoor education and play. This creates opportunities to extend the learning environment beyond the classroom. Also the central playground, with natural play equipment, encourages children to engage with nature and to actively learn about their environment.
Material and color choices reflect a harmonization with the direct surroundings. Preserved wood cladding in varying widths, biobased composite elements and natural-colored paving generate a contemporary yet timeless look and feel that fits in with and strengthens the local landscape. The design is inspired by the region’s historic farmhouses. So while ensuring that the building meets all the modern standards, it is grounded in the past.
The interior design is built for flexibility and interaction. Modular classrooms with movable furniture allow for adjustable educational setups for individual and group assignments. A spacious central hall serves as a dynamic meeting space. It includes a seating tribune, a stage and a library, aiming for social learning and creative expression. Large windows provide abudant natural light, so that the surrounding greenery is very visible.
The school’s inviting and modern character strengthens its role as a community hub and creates a sense of belonging for the end users.
A key feature is the overhanging roof structures, which provide sheltered outdoor spaces for year-round outdoor education and play. This creates opportunities to extend the learning environment beyond the classroom. Also the central playground, with natural play equipment, encourages children to engage with nature and to actively learn about their environment.
Material and color choices reflect a harmonization with the direct surroundings. Preserved wood cladding in varying widths, biobased composite elements and natural-colored paving generate a contemporary yet timeless look and feel that fits in with and strengthens the local landscape. The design is inspired by the region’s historic farmhouses. So while ensuring that the building meets all the modern standards, it is grounded in the past.
The interior design is built for flexibility and interaction. Modular classrooms with movable furniture allow for adjustable educational setups for individual and group assignments. A spacious central hall serves as a dynamic meeting space. It includes a seating tribune, a stage and a library, aiming for social learning and creative expression. Large windows provide abudant natural light, so that the surrounding greenery is very visible.
The school’s inviting and modern character strengthens its role as a community hub and creates a sense of belonging for the end users.
The school is designed as an inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment that merges education, childcare and support services. This so-called integrative child centre fosters collaboration between parents and professionals, ensuring equal opportunities for all children and strengthening the connection with the community. Heerenveen strives for providing education close to home for as long as possible. A continuous learning path and shared facilities in a safe environment provide the children with a stable base to develop in.
The school fits in its surroudings. Not only do the materials and their finishings match with the natural environment, the design is inspired by typical Frisian barn roofs (stolpkappen) with gable ends. Farms of this type can be found in many places around Oranjewoud.
Accessibility is a key design principle. Children, parents and staff can move independently in the barrier-free building and outdoor spaces. They are designed to encourage interaction and participation for all users. The schoolyard will provide an inviting, green space where children of all abilities can play, learn and explore together. Children will be educated in an inspirational setting with lots of light through the large windows. The building design also includes roof overhangs, which make outdoor education possible in all weather conditions.
Affordability is embedded in the project’s sustainability approach. The energy-efficient design reduces long-term operational costs. By using durable, low-maintenance materials, future operating costs remain manageable.
Community participation has been central throughout the process. Residents, parents and teachers have actively contributed in workshops and consultations. This participatory approach creates a sense of ownership and ensures that the school becomes a shared space for the neighborhood. The building will also be multifunctional. It will be used by local interest groups and other community-based initiatives.
The school fits in its surroudings. Not only do the materials and their finishings match with the natural environment, the design is inspired by typical Frisian barn roofs (stolpkappen) with gable ends. Farms of this type can be found in many places around Oranjewoud.
Accessibility is a key design principle. Children, parents and staff can move independently in the barrier-free building and outdoor spaces. They are designed to encourage interaction and participation for all users. The schoolyard will provide an inviting, green space where children of all abilities can play, learn and explore together. Children will be educated in an inspirational setting with lots of light through the large windows. The building design also includes roof overhangs, which make outdoor education possible in all weather conditions.
Affordability is embedded in the project’s sustainability approach. The energy-efficient design reduces long-term operational costs. By using durable, low-maintenance materials, future operating costs remain manageable.
Community participation has been central throughout the process. Residents, parents and teachers have actively contributed in workshops and consultations. This participatory approach creates a sense of ownership and ensures that the school becomes a shared space for the neighborhood. The building will also be multifunctional. It will be used by local interest groups and other community-based initiatives.
From the start, the development of the new Albertine Agnesschool has been shaped by extensive citizen and stakeholder participation. Parents, educators, local residents and community organizations have played an active role in defining priorities, identifying challenges and generating ideas. This inclusive approach ensures that the school reflects the needs and aspirations of those who will use it daily.
Early engagement began with community information sessions where residents provided input on key concerns such as traffic safety, playground design and environmental integration. These discussions directly influenced decisions on schoolyard layout, parking placement and green infrastructure. As the design progressed, additional workshops and consultations were held, allowing participants to respond to preliminary design plans. Feedback was carefully documented and incorporated, as can be seen in one of the appendices as well.
Special attention has been given to making the school a shared space for the wider community. As mentioned above, it will be used for other purposes besides education as well. The schoolyard is designed as a multifunctional meeting area that is also accessible outside school hours, encouraging interaction among different generations. The project also fosters environmental awareness, with children and residents involved in co-creating green spaces that enhance biodiversity and climate resilience. The students have been involved in creative design assignments with coloring schemes, drawings and moodboards. This way the building will feel like its theirs.
This collaborative approach has strengthened local ownership and trust, ensuring smoother decision-making and long-term support for the initiative. By embedding participation at every stage, the project not only creates a high-quality learning environment but also demonstrates how small municipalities can successfully integrate citizen input into sustainable spatial development.
Early engagement began with community information sessions where residents provided input on key concerns such as traffic safety, playground design and environmental integration. These discussions directly influenced decisions on schoolyard layout, parking placement and green infrastructure. As the design progressed, additional workshops and consultations were held, allowing participants to respond to preliminary design plans. Feedback was carefully documented and incorporated, as can be seen in one of the appendices as well.
Special attention has been given to making the school a shared space for the wider community. As mentioned above, it will be used for other purposes besides education as well. The schoolyard is designed as a multifunctional meeting area that is also accessible outside school hours, encouraging interaction among different generations. The project also fosters environmental awareness, with children and residents involved in co-creating green spaces that enhance biodiversity and climate resilience. The students have been involved in creative design assignments with coloring schemes, drawings and moodboards. This way the building will feel like its theirs.
This collaborative approach has strengthened local ownership and trust, ensuring smoother decision-making and long-term support for the initiative. By embedding participation at every stage, the project not only creates a high-quality learning environment but also demonstrates how small municipalities can successfully integrate citizen input into sustainable spatial development.
Stakeholders have been involved at multiple levels, ensuring a well-integrated and widely supported initiative.
Locally, the Municipality of Heerenveen, school community Ambion and childcare organization Kinderwoud have collaborated to align educational, spatial and sustainability ambitions. Residents, parents and educators have contributed in consultations and co-creation sessions, influencing key decisions on design, accessibility and environmental integration. The project team also includes local sustainability experts and a landscape architect to ensure the green spaces contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience. Additionally, partnerships with local businesses and material suppliers promote circular construction and responsible sourcing.
Regionally, cooperation with urban planners and mobility specialists has addressed traffic safety and sustainable transport challenges. The project aligns with broader regional strategies for energy-neutral public buildings and climate adaptation. Hûs en Hiem, a partnership of 17 municipalities from the province of Friesland, has also been consulted. This organization aims to promote the common provincial interests in the field of architectural, urban and landscape beauty.
Nationally, the project adheres to the Energie Neutraal Gebouw standard, exceeding regulatory sustainability requirements. Collaboration with the Rijksdienst voor Cultureel Erfgoed ensures that the design respects Oranjewoud’s protected cultural landscape. This project, and Heerenveen’s housing policy for schools in general, serves as an example for other areas and generates a lot of interest. Various presentations are given elsewhere in the country. One of the national goals is standardization of school construction processes.
At the European level, this project has not been manifested actively. However, project development opportunities are sought for in the green transition of schoolyards and circular and modular school construction.
Locally, the Municipality of Heerenveen, school community Ambion and childcare organization Kinderwoud have collaborated to align educational, spatial and sustainability ambitions. Residents, parents and educators have contributed in consultations and co-creation sessions, influencing key decisions on design, accessibility and environmental integration. The project team also includes local sustainability experts and a landscape architect to ensure the green spaces contribute to biodiversity and climate resilience. Additionally, partnerships with local businesses and material suppliers promote circular construction and responsible sourcing.
Regionally, cooperation with urban planners and mobility specialists has addressed traffic safety and sustainable transport challenges. The project aligns with broader regional strategies for energy-neutral public buildings and climate adaptation. Hûs en Hiem, a partnership of 17 municipalities from the province of Friesland, has also been consulted. This organization aims to promote the common provincial interests in the field of architectural, urban and landscape beauty.
Nationally, the project adheres to the Energie Neutraal Gebouw standard, exceeding regulatory sustainability requirements. Collaboration with the Rijksdienst voor Cultureel Erfgoed ensures that the design respects Oranjewoud’s protected cultural landscape. This project, and Heerenveen’s housing policy for schools in general, serves as an example for other areas and generates a lot of interest. Various presentations are given elsewhere in the country. One of the national goals is standardization of school construction processes.
At the European level, this project has not been manifested actively. However, project development opportunities are sought for in the green transition of schoolyards and circular and modular school construction.
The project is an interdisciplinary effort and integrates expertise from various fields to create a sustainable, functional and community-driven learning environment. Architects, urban planners, sustainability experts and educationists have all played key roles.
Architects and urban planners had the objective to harmonize the building with its surroundings while meeting the highest energy and design standards. The landscape architect has contributed to integrating green infrastructure, enhancing biodiversity and improving climate resilience through adding various green elements as outlined above. Nature and its continued growth have always been prioritised throughout the project. Sustainability experts have guided the implementation of circular construction principles, bio-based materials and energy-efficient systems, ensuring long-term environmental and financial viability.
Educational specialists have helped design an environment that supports modern pedagogical approaches. Flexibility, a comprehensive educational approach and collaboration within learning spaces were key pillars. The large windows and the roof overhangs, for instance, entail educational benefits. Students develop in a green environment where sustainability is key. The green schoolyard supports the healthy development of children, adds to the knowledge about and connection with nature and contributes to a better quality of education.
Mobility and safety experts have worked on optimizing pedestrian and bicycle access while ensuring a safe traffic flow around the school. Additionally, cultural heritage specialists have provided guidance on integrating the new building into Oranjewoud’s historically significant landscape. The design combines heritage features of characteristic farmhouses with a contemporary look.
Architects and urban planners had the objective to harmonize the building with its surroundings while meeting the highest energy and design standards. The landscape architect has contributed to integrating green infrastructure, enhancing biodiversity and improving climate resilience through adding various green elements as outlined above. Nature and its continued growth have always been prioritised throughout the project. Sustainability experts have guided the implementation of circular construction principles, bio-based materials and energy-efficient systems, ensuring long-term environmental and financial viability.
Educational specialists have helped design an environment that supports modern pedagogical approaches. Flexibility, a comprehensive educational approach and collaboration within learning spaces were key pillars. The large windows and the roof overhangs, for instance, entail educational benefits. Students develop in a green environment where sustainability is key. The green schoolyard supports the healthy development of children, adds to the knowledge about and connection with nature and contributes to a better quality of education.
Mobility and safety experts have worked on optimizing pedestrian and bicycle access while ensuring a safe traffic flow around the school. Additionally, cultural heritage specialists have provided guidance on integrating the new building into Oranjewoud’s historically significant landscape. The design combines heritage features of characteristic farmhouses with a contemporary look.
The new integrative child center stands out as an innovative model for sustainable and inclusive school development. Unlike conventional school buildings, this initiative integrates circular construction, climate resilience and community-driven design into a single, forward-thinking approach.
One key innovation is the school’s commitment to energy neutrality and circularity. The design exceeds national sustainability standards by implementing an Energie Neutraal Gebouw (ENG) approach, featuring a VRF heat pump system, nearly 200 solar panels and bio-based building materials. Additionally, the project applies a material passport, which ensures transparency in resource use and enables future reuse, a practice still rare in small-scale public buildings.
The nature-inclusive design is another innovative feature. Green infrastructure, biodiversity and climate adaptation have been embedded from the start. The integration of green walls, a flowering hedge and preserved tree lines enhances ecological value while contributing to a healthier learning environment. The outdoor spaces function as both a playground and an educational tool, engaging children in sustainability from an early age.
Community participation has also been centred. This project has actively involved parents, residents and educators in shaping the design. The schoolyard is designed as a multifunctional public space, remaining accessible beyond school hours to serve as a community meeting point.
The collaboration around the construction project has unique features, too. A so-called bouwheerovereenkomst is used, in which the goal is to be jointly responsible for the entire project.
Finally, the school’s future-proof flexibility makes it stand out. By applying modular construction principles, adaptable learning spaces are created. Combined with the long-term vision for low-maintenance operation, the design anticipates evolving educational and societal needs.
One key innovation is the school’s commitment to energy neutrality and circularity. The design exceeds national sustainability standards by implementing an Energie Neutraal Gebouw (ENG) approach, featuring a VRF heat pump system, nearly 200 solar panels and bio-based building materials. Additionally, the project applies a material passport, which ensures transparency in resource use and enables future reuse, a practice still rare in small-scale public buildings.
The nature-inclusive design is another innovative feature. Green infrastructure, biodiversity and climate adaptation have been embedded from the start. The integration of green walls, a flowering hedge and preserved tree lines enhances ecological value while contributing to a healthier learning environment. The outdoor spaces function as both a playground and an educational tool, engaging children in sustainability from an early age.
Community participation has also been centred. This project has actively involved parents, residents and educators in shaping the design. The schoolyard is designed as a multifunctional public space, remaining accessible beyond school hours to serve as a community meeting point.
The collaboration around the construction project has unique features, too. A so-called bouwheerovereenkomst is used, in which the goal is to be jointly responsible for the entire project.
Finally, the school’s future-proof flexibility makes it stand out. By applying modular construction principles, adaptable learning spaces are created. Combined with the long-term vision for low-maintenance operation, the design anticipates evolving educational and societal needs.
The project follows a structured, participatory and future-oriented approach, ensuring that sustainability, inclusion and aesthetic quality are embedded in every phase. The methodology is based on an integrated design process, combining expertise from multiple disciplines (such as architects, constructors, installers, local entrepreneurs, sustainability experts and local policymakers) while actively involving stakeholders throughout.
BCN Group manages the project. De Unie Architecten (design), INNAX (technical installations) and Goudstikker de Vries (engineering) lead the execution. A steering committee, project group and design team oversee planning, budgeting and stakeholder engagement. Community input is key, with workshops shaping the design. A structured, phased approach ensures transparency, sustainability and a future-proof learning environment.
Parents, educators and local residents have contributed to the project in information sessions, workshops and design consultations. This participatory process has helped align the design with the needs of its users, ensuring that the school not only meets educational requirements but also serves as a community hub.
Sustainability has been addressed through a circular design framework. The project uses Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations, which leads to cost-effective and environmentally responsible solutions. The use of bio-based materials, energy-neutral technologies and modular construction ensures adaptability and longevity.
In the construction plans, future expandability has also been taken into account. Flexibility is an important criterion for future-proofing the building.
Additionally, the project integrates nature-inclusive planning, focusing on biodiversity, climate adaptation and green infrastructure as fundamental design elements rather than secondary features.
BCN Group manages the project. De Unie Architecten (design), INNAX (technical installations) and Goudstikker de Vries (engineering) lead the execution. A steering committee, project group and design team oversee planning, budgeting and stakeholder engagement. Community input is key, with workshops shaping the design. A structured, phased approach ensures transparency, sustainability and a future-proof learning environment.
Parents, educators and local residents have contributed to the project in information sessions, workshops and design consultations. This participatory process has helped align the design with the needs of its users, ensuring that the school not only meets educational requirements but also serves as a community hub.
Sustainability has been addressed through a circular design framework. The project uses Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculations, which leads to cost-effective and environmentally responsible solutions. The use of bio-based materials, energy-neutral technologies and modular construction ensures adaptability and longevity.
In the construction plans, future expandability has also been taken into account. Flexibility is an important criterion for future-proofing the building.
Additionally, the project integrates nature-inclusive planning, focusing on biodiversity, climate adaptation and green infrastructure as fundamental design elements rather than secondary features.
This constitutes a replicable model for sustainable, inclusive and community-driven school development. It offers valuable insights for other authorities with similar ambitions. A key transferable element is the circular and energy-neutral building approach. The use of bio-based materials, modular design and a material passport reduces environmental impact and operational costs. By exceeding national sustainability regulations with Energie Neutraal Gebouw (ENG) standards, this is a benchmark for future educational projects.
In Heerenveen, more or less the same approach is used in other projects for renewed educational housing. This is laid down in a municipal educational housing plan, which often serves as a best practice for other municipalities, but also for Vereniging Circulair Friesland, the organization that encourages the use and advancement of circular practices across the province
The co-creation process ensures broad support and a design that meets local needs. By engaging key stakeholders from the start, a sense of ownership is generated. This model can be applied to other public projects where stakeholder engagement is essential.
The nature-inclusive design also offers scalable solutions. Green facades, a flowering hedge and rainwater infiltration zones enhance biodiversity and climate resilience. Such principles can easily be integrated into similar projects.
Finally, the long-term flexibility and financial sustainability of the project serve as a model. The focus on Total Cost of Ownership, low-maintenance materials and adaptable spaces leads to cost efficiency and future-proof infrastructure. The integration of residual value into the financial asset register makes relatively expensive circular construction projects more feasible.
By integrating innovative sustainability practices with inclusive design and strong community involvement, this initiative offers a practical roadmap for creating greener, people-centered public spaces across Europe.
In Heerenveen, more or less the same approach is used in other projects for renewed educational housing. This is laid down in a municipal educational housing plan, which often serves as a best practice for other municipalities, but also for Vereniging Circulair Friesland, the organization that encourages the use and advancement of circular practices across the province
The co-creation process ensures broad support and a design that meets local needs. By engaging key stakeholders from the start, a sense of ownership is generated. This model can be applied to other public projects where stakeholder engagement is essential.
The nature-inclusive design also offers scalable solutions. Green facades, a flowering hedge and rainwater infiltration zones enhance biodiversity and climate resilience. Such principles can easily be integrated into similar projects.
Finally, the long-term flexibility and financial sustainability of the project serve as a model. The focus on Total Cost of Ownership, low-maintenance materials and adaptable spaces leads to cost efficiency and future-proof infrastructure. The integration of residual value into the financial asset register makes relatively expensive circular construction projects more feasible.
By integrating innovative sustainability practices with inclusive design and strong community involvement, this initiative offers a practical roadmap for creating greener, people-centered public spaces across Europe.
This project addresses global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality. It aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement, and can be regarded as a best practice for municipalities to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and strengthening climate resilience.
The school significantly reduces its carbon footprint by building to Energie Neutraal Gebouw (ENG) standards. Fossil fuel dependency is minimized and renewable energy use is promoted. The integration of bio-based and recycled materials lowers emissions. The reuse of materials from the deconstruction of existing buildings further supports a circular economy. It reduces waste and extends resource life cycles.
Biodiversity loss is addressed through a nature-inclusive design. Instead of replacing green spaces, the project enhances them by applying green elements. They create habitats for local wildlife, including birds and pollinators, while also improving air quality and reducing heat stress.
The initiative also addresses social inequality by creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment. The school serves as a community hub, providing a meeting place for residents. A participatory design process has actively involved parents, educators, residents and even students, which led to a sense of shared responsibility and local ownership.
The construction principles also help raising awareness among children about resource depletion, ecological footprints and events like Earth Overshoot Day. Through its design and educational programs, the school encourages students to understand that natural resources are finite and must be used wisely. By learning in a building that embodies circularity, sustainability and resilience, students develop a deeper connection to these principles, preparing them to become responsible global citizens.
The school significantly reduces its carbon footprint by building to Energie Neutraal Gebouw (ENG) standards. Fossil fuel dependency is minimized and renewable energy use is promoted. The integration of bio-based and recycled materials lowers emissions. The reuse of materials from the deconstruction of existing buildings further supports a circular economy. It reduces waste and extends resource life cycles.
Biodiversity loss is addressed through a nature-inclusive design. Instead of replacing green spaces, the project enhances them by applying green elements. They create habitats for local wildlife, including birds and pollinators, while also improving air quality and reducing heat stress.
The initiative also addresses social inequality by creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment. The school serves as a community hub, providing a meeting place for residents. A participatory design process has actively involved parents, educators, residents and even students, which led to a sense of shared responsibility and local ownership.
The construction principles also help raising awareness among children about resource depletion, ecological footprints and events like Earth Overshoot Day. Through its design and educational programs, the school encourages students to understand that natural resources are finite and must be used wisely. By learning in a building that embodies circularity, sustainability and resilience, students develop a deeper connection to these principles, preparing them to become responsible global citizens.
The Albertine Agnesschool project follows a structured timeline, ensuring a smooth transition from design to construction and eventual operation. The preliminary design phase has been completed, incorporating input from educators, parents and residents. Research has been conducted into, among other things, the effects on tree structures, flora and fauna and possibilities for reusing materials. The next steps include finalizing the technical design and obtaining necessary permits. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2025. By mid-2026, the new school is planned to be fully operational.
The project continues to represent the NEB values of sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics. Just like materials are carefully selected for durability and circularity and the energy-neutral design ensures minimal environmental impact, so will the procurement department when the new school is operational. The principles of sustainability and care for the environment will also be given a prominent place in the vision on education and in teaching practice.
Community engagement remains a key principle in the implementation and operation phases. Regular updates and consultation sessions will ensure that stakeholders remain involved, fostering a sense of ownership over the final result. The school’s multifunctional outdoor spaces will be co-designed with local residents to encourage shared use beyond school hours.
The experiences gained from this initiative will be shared with other authorities, which can hopefully lead to a wider uptake of this model for sustainable school development.
The project continues to represent the NEB values of sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics. Just like materials are carefully selected for durability and circularity and the energy-neutral design ensures minimal environmental impact, so will the procurement department when the new school is operational. The principles of sustainability and care for the environment will also be given a prominent place in the vision on education and in teaching practice.
Community engagement remains a key principle in the implementation and operation phases. Regular updates and consultation sessions will ensure that stakeholders remain involved, fostering a sense of ownership over the final result. The school’s multifunctional outdoor spaces will be co-designed with local residents to encourage shared use beyond school hours.
The experiences gained from this initiative will be shared with other authorities, which can hopefully lead to a wider uptake of this model for sustainable school development.
