The London School of Architecture (LSA) has always been at the forefront of innovation in architectural education. Committed to sustainability and forward-thinking design, LSA sought a solution to optimise air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency in its new Beechwood Road facility, a historic Edwardian parish institute in Hackney.
Understanding the challenges of retrofitting older buildings without modern heating and ventilation (HVAC) systems, LSA partnered with Envelo to implement intelligent environmental monitoring and automations.
This collaboration allows LSA to integrate cutting-edge smart building technology while staying true to the character of its Victorian-era premises.
Research by Harvard’s Joseph Allen found that improving indoor air quality leads to a 61% boost in cognitive function, better focus, higher test scores, and improved decision-making.
Like many historic buildings, LSA’s Beechwood Road facility presented opportunities to further optimise air quality, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort.
Fine-tuning indoor air quality: In high-occupancy areas, Envelo’s data-driven approach helps monitor and optimise ventilation to ensure a fresh, well-balanced learning space.
Managing humidity for long-term preservation: Natural moisture levels in older buildings can fluctuate, and Envelo’s technology supports balanced humidity control, particularly in areas where materials and equipment benefit from stable conditions.
Optimising heating efficiency: Historical heating systems often run beyond necessary hours, (ie through the night). Envelo’s insights enable smarter scheduling to improve both energy savings and thermal comfort.
Enhancing temperature control: Different spaces within the building require tailored climate management. Smart radiator valves and automated adjustments can help maintain an optimal indoor environment across classrooms, offices, and seminar rooms.
Empowering students & staff with environmental insights: Through real-time air quality and energy usage data, Envelo enables LSA to educate and engage occupants in the principles of sustainable architecture and environmental responsibility.
LSA implemented Envelo’s smart environmental technology and platform to improve air quality, optimise energy use, and enhance student wellbeing. The solution included:
Optimised heating efficiency
Improved air quality & ventilation
Smart humidity control
Live environmental insights for students & staff
With Envelo’s intelligent insights, LSA is making significant strides toward a more energy-efficient and sustainable learning environment.
Envelo has helped to optimise heating schedules, balance energy use with indoor comfort, and reduce unnecessary consumption, ensuring a smarter approach to sustainability.
Early projections suggest that annual energy savings could reach several thousand pounds, aligning with LSA’s commitment to responsible energy management.
Additionally, the long-term return on investment is expected to be several times the initial implementation cost, making this a high-impact, cost-effective solution for the school’s sustainability strategy.
As LSA continues to expand into new areas of the building, they are looking to extend Envelo’s capabilities, ensuring the same level of efficiency, comfort, and air quality across their future occupied spaces.
Better air = Sharper minds & stronger results - Maintaining optimal CO₂ levels helps students stay focused, improving cognitive function and exam performance.
Smarter energy use = More resources for students – Envelo’s insights optimise heating schedules, ensuring energy isn’t wasted on unoccupied spaces. By reducing unnecessary consumption, schools can cut costs and reinvest savings into student learning and resources.
Sustainable & future-ready – By reducing energy consumption, LSA supports the DfE’s Net Zero Strategy while lowering its environmental impact.
Protecting a historic learning space – Intelligent air quality and humidity control preserve the building’s integrity while ensuring a healthy, comfortable environment for students and staff.
By integrating Envelo’s smart technology, LSA is demonstrating how smart environmental management can be applied to historic buildings, reducing energy waste while improving occupant wellbeing. This collaboration is not just about creating a healthier indoor space, it’s helping to educate the next generation of architects on the role of data-driven decision-making in sustainable building design.
LSA and Envelo’s partnership is setting a benchmark for retrofitting heritage buildings, proving that modern sustainability solutions can enhance traditional spaces without compromising their character.
For more information about how Envelo is transforming indoor educational environments schedule a demo today.
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