As CPW’s Northern Lead, Gareth Moad brings 25 years of experience in shaping buildings across multiple sectors. With our Education campaign in full swing, we sat down with him to discuss the latest changes and challenges within the sector. From pioneering academy builds to innovative university retrofits, his expertise spans the full spectrum of MEP engineering.

Although Gareth’s influence extends far beyond Education, spanning across a variety of diverse projects, his Engineering journey coincidently began with North Liverpool Academy which was the first academy project in the UK. The £75 million scheme set the stage for his work within the Education sector. Since then, he has worked on some of the most ambitious school, college, and university developments in the country.

Based at our Leeds office and having lived in the North for most of his life, he remains deeply connected to the region, and is often actively involved in local CSR efforts, supporting charities and organisations such as WasteShark Leeds and Canal Connections.

Gareth Moad, CPW Director & North Lead — **Navigating the Unique Challenges of Education Estates**

Education buildings come with distinct requirements, whether it’s designing a primary school, a specialist SEND facility, or a university research centre. Schools must align with Department for Education (DfE) regulations, while Higher Education (HE) estates push design boundaries to meet student expectations. Gareth explains:
“With Education, there’s limited repetition – it keeps things interesting. Schools follow different principles from Further Education (FE), which in turn differs from Higher Education (HE). At universities, you’re constantly innovating because the end-user – the students – are the client. That’s what makes HE projects so diverse.”

Currently, much of CPW’s work in Higher Education (HE) is focused on decarbonisation and refurbishing existing buildings. Gareth highlights projects such as the Clothworkers Building, and Mathematics School for the University of Leeds, all of which required integrating modern systems into pre-existing infrastructures. His team are also currently working on major decarbonisation work for the University, working on the Worsley Building and CEM (Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering) Buildings.

Beyond Higher Education (HE), the team is also highly active in delivering specialist SEND schools, which often feature unique requirements such as therapy pools and sensory rooms.

One example is their work on Trent View College SEN in Scunthorpe – a 2,500m² Passivhaus-certified Department for Education (DfE) school that provides places for up to 60 pupils aged 16 to 19, with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The new build features single-story teaching and administration areas, along with specialist facilities such as a vehicle workshop, hydrotherapy pool, and changing facilities.

The Evolving Education Landscape in the North

One of the biggest trends Gareth has noticed is the increasing overlap between Education and Healthcare.

“Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) institutions are incorporating allied healthcare facilities – such as optician training centres and hygienist clinics – into their estates. This is a growing trend as colleges and universities aim to support local healthcare services while enhancing student learning opportunities.”

— Gareth Moad, Director & North Lead

At the same time, the demand for virtual classrooms and digital learning environments is on the rise. CPW has recently assisted Bradford College with the implementation of virtual learning spaces, and Gareth expects to see more institutions investing in technology-driven education.

“Budgets are shifting towards gaming, simulation, and data-driven learning environments. Institutions are investing in infrastructure that supports students learning and testing digital environments.”

Funding, Budgets & the Push for Net Zero

With budgets often tight in the Education sector, helping clients access funding opportunities is crucial, such as the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF), Green Heat Network Fund, Heat Network Efficiency Scheme, and CIF funding. Gareth emphasises that good design is key to balancing cost and sustainability.

“Part of our role as sustainable engineers is helping clients understand how energy efficiency measures will save money in the long term. We work closely with our Sustainability Team to guide clients through funding opportunities while designing solutions that maximise value.”

Decarbonisation is another key focus, with the Department for Education (DfE) now requiring ground source heat pumps as standard for new builds. Gareth also highlights the anticipated introduction of Part Z, which will place greater emphasis on embodied carbon – making refurbishment a priority over demolition.

“In the future, knocking down buildings will become much harder. We’re seeing a definite shift towards retrofit projects rather than new builds. In many ways, the UK is still catching up with European countries that have already made carbon savings a key requirement.”