Teaching children about being eco-friendly at an early age helps set them up for a better future. Learning about caring for the planet can start at home and transcend into a nursery learning environment.
Nurseries are just one type of environment that produces harmful carbon emissions in one way or the other. Think of outdated heating systems, high-energy lights and lack of proper recycling.
There are several ways to make a nursery eco-friendlier, from practical solutions you can implement daily to alternative builds and technology. Best of all, each of these methods can be a chance to teach children new skills and develop their understanding of sustainability. Let’s explore how eco nursery buildings can be achieved.
Practical Ways to Reduce Carbon Impact in Nurseries
Transforming a nursery from a high-emission learning space into an eco-friendly, sustainable environment that enriches both children and the planet isn’t that hard to do. Here are the best practical ways to reduce the building’s carbon impact.
Renewable Energy Integration
A nursery’s carbon impact will be high if it uses outdated energy systems. A great way to improve carbon impact is by installing renewable energy systems. Solar panels are ideal for generating on-site electricity and reducing the reliance on the grid. Integrate a smart meter to precisely monitor energy usage and cut back on wastage.
Switch to LEDs
It’s a good idea to replace all incandescent and fluorescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting, as they use significantly less electricity and last far longer. This not only reduces energy consumption but also the costs of replacements. For nurseries, warm and glare-free LEDs are most suitable, making learning and play zones comfortable and safe. Combining your LEDs with sensors for areas like toilets and storage rooms is also a great way to cut back on energy usage.
Upgrade to a Modular Building
One of the best ways to have eco nursery buildings is by choosing modular construction. Eco-friendly is just one modular classroom benefit; this is thanks to:
- Faster construction times – reduce disruption and carbon impact compared to traditional builds.
- Energy efficient by design – high levels of insulation, sustainable and recyclable materials used – check out the eco-friendly materials used for this 6-bay modular nursery at Barlaston First School.
- Adaptable – modular nurseries can be expanded or reconfigured instead of rebuilt as needs change.
Modular nurseries can also be easily integrated with sustainable energy systems like solar panels, so it’s a no-brainer if you need extra space for growing numbers or are looking for a completely new nursery environment.
Paperless Admin
We’re now in a digital world, and much of the early-learning admin you perform is likely done without using paper. However, many nursery environments still use paper for certain tasks when they don’t need to. Go paperless for newsletters, invoicing, records and other sensitive data, and save the paper for what really matters – a canvas for the kids’ drawings and work that can be stuck on the fridge.
Recycling Stations and Composting
It’s always positive to implement proper recycling and composting processes, as this will reduce landfill waste and harmful toxins released into the atmosphere. Set up clearly labelled recycling bins for paper, plastics and food packaging. Introduce food waste composting for snack and lunch leftovers and create compost areas in on-site gardens if possible. Involving the youngsters in sorting waste is ideal for building early environmental awareness.
Outdoor Gardens and Nature Activities
Our last tip is one of the best ways to build a shared culture of environmental responsibility that children can carry home and staff can apply across the nursery. Create vegetable patches, wildflower areas or sensory gardens within the outdoor space of the nursery. This encourages hands-on activities, such as planting, watering and observing insects and wildlife, great for inspiring the kids and getting them involved in varied activities daily. Teachers can reinforce positive values and support them in training around sustainability.
Create a Customised Modular Nursery Building
Eco-friendly nursery buildings are not just good for the planet; they’re also a fantastic way to get early learners informed and practice sustainability early, preparing them for a better future. We believe your goals of reducing carbon impact can be fully achieved with modular construction. From energy-efficient designs, non-toxic and safe materials, to a process that’s minimal on waste and disruption, it’s no wonder that so many educational premises are choosing modular spaces.
If you’re interested in ready-to-install modular nurseries or want to explore options for fully bespoke designs, enquire with the team at MPB Temporary Classrooms today, and get a free quote.
