Suffolk One is a major educational project in South West Ipswich and South Suffolk that aims to create an innovative centre of learning for 16- to 19-year-olds. The project?s governors recently approved a series of M&E jobs, which will install a wide range of energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems. These include a heat transfer system, rainwater harvesting, systems that provide natural ventilation and light, and roof-mounted solar panels that provide hot water.

It is expected that these systems will enable Suffolk One to make long-term savings and reduce its carbon emissions. For example, as those with M&E jobs would know, a typical rainwater harvesting system is capable of storing up to 40,000 litres of rainwater, which can then be used to flush toilets. In this way, the system can potentially save up to 50 percent of the expected annual mains water usage.

Other M&E jobs to be completed include heating, drainage, gas supplies and air conditioning, along with lighting, mains and sub-mains cabling, power outlets, alarm systems, CCTV and a standby generator. These will enable Suffolk One to provide the best of resources in its state-of-the-art building, which contains teaching spaces, laboratories and workshops, a theatre, a wellbeing centre, student canteen, sports facilities and breakout spaces.

More importantly, Suffolk One aims to provide its students with a massive range of AS/A levels, applied learning, Diploma courses, specialist learning programmes and even the acclaimed International Baccalaureate. It is therefore essential that reliable high-speed Internet connection is available and can be easily accessed. In this regard, a series of specialist M&E jobs will guarantee that the project has a building that is wireless-enabled throughout.

Suffolk One is due to open to students in September 2010. Apart from more than 2,000 full-time students aged 16 to 19, approximately 200 students aged 14 to 16 will also participate in the educational project on a part-time basis in association with their home schools. The aforementioned M&E jobs are expected to ensure that the project provides an inclusive and inspirational learning environment that focuses on raising quality, investing in skills, enhancing employability and meeting employer needs.