The Valley School in Stevenage has bagged an award recognising its green credentials.

This marks Hertfordshire County Council's fourth award for the leading special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school.

The commendation, titled ‘Best Project Delivering Sustainable Outcomes’, was awarded by Pagabo.

This credits The Valley School as Hertfordshire County Council’s first net zero carbon in operation new build school project.

Cllr Richard Roberts, leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: "This is great recognition for this award-winning school.

"Brand new, carbon neutral in operation and a fabulous learning space for our SEND children.

"Congratulations to all who have contributed to making this such a great new school for Stevenage."

The eco-conscious development is part of the council’s emphasis on sustainability in all new constructions around the county.

The council entrusted the construction of the school to Ashe Construction.

Under its supervision, the school has already received several accolades including the Constructing Excellence Awards 2024 (Herts & Beds) for ‘Building Project of the Year’, the Hertfordshire Building Control Awards 2024 for ‘Best Non-Residential New Build’, and the Education Business Awards for ‘School Building Award’.

However, it was the school's leading sustainability credentials which secured this latest honour.

They include energy and heating demand far below Department for Education targets, biodiverse green roofs contributing to the council’s objective of a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain for new projects, and the generation of 57 per cent of its electricity from onsite solar panels.

Additionally, timber offcuts from the project were repurposed by the students, who built bird boxes and bug hotels to promote biodiversity on site.

Cllr Bob Deering, executive member for resources and performance, said: "It’s fantastic to see our first net zero carbon school in Hertfordshire winning awards for its green credentials.

"All council buildings will be built with sustainability at heart."

Cllr Caroline Clapper, executive member for education, libraries and lifelong learning, added: "We are proud to have delivered this standout education facility for the community.

"We’ve worked closely with the headteacher to ensure the transition has been as smooth and comfortable as possible for the children, who are loving their new school."