Sustainable future for Eltham College

Realising a vision for a more sustainable, cutting-edge school

Read time: 3 mins Added: 03/01/2023

Picture of Eltham College.

Eltham College is a leading independent, co-educational day school set on a green site of nearly 70 acres in South East London. Founded more than 180 years ago in 1842, and with a prestigious history and reputation, Eltham College is a place that honours its heritage while blazing a trail for the future – as their new Tuberville building, Sixth Form Centre and Foxbury Wellbeing and Medical Centre are testament to. 

With an eye to the climate crisis, the school has successfully become more sustainable – cutting its energy costs and strengthening its ties with the local community – with support from Lloyds Bank and the sector expertise provided by their Relationship Manager, Anil Ahluwalia.

The school was experiencing a surge in popularity and, as student numbers were increasing, more space was needed to provide a high-quality teaching and learning environment for students and staff. For Headmaster Guy Sanderson, it was an opportunity to create a cutting-edge, sustainable upgrade for the school. 

Throughout, the new buildings were built to the highest specifications; the use of modern light design and carefully selected materials have helped to reduce energy requirements, as well as making a stunning statement about the ethos of the school. 

“It’s hard to put a value on the impact of working and studying in a modern, purposeful environment,” says Headmaster Guy Sanderson.  

“Without doubt, the Tuberville centre is a building with a positive vibe – purposeful, modern, inviting, vibrant, and where its individual modernity complements the more traditional architecture of the main School building.”  

The team at Lloyds Bank helped to secure the right kind of long-term funding that could support the school with their ambitions. This enabled their vision to be realised fully, with leading green technologies. 

A combination of the Headmaster’s vision and passion, the knowledge and expertise of Anil Ahluwalia, and the driving force of previous Bursar Sue Roxby created the perfect partnership for success.  

“Sue was the powerhouse for the project. She was with me at every stage and oversaw even the smallest problems,” reflects Sanderson.  

He added: “The Lloyds Bank team showed a flexible approach, bringing valuable sector expertise and an understanding of what modern education requires.”  

The buildings feature energy-efficient technology such as a small solar PV array, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, automatic ventilation, modern insulation and a reduction in heat loss, sensory lighting and a green roof. All of which has contributed significantly to an improved carbon and environmental footprint. 

With continued support from Lloyds Bank, the school is looking ahead to make more changes. On-site power generation and non-carbon based heating systems are on the cards for the future – eventually making the whole school more energy efficient and self-sufficient.

Clean Growth Financing Initiative

From small improvements in environmental impact, right through to large-scale renewable energy infrastructure our Clean Growth Financing Initiative can help.

Clean Growth Financing

Spotlight on Higher Education

Watch the first of our ‘Spotlight on…’ series where we talk to the University of Hull about their ambitious targets for net zero.

Watch episode

Sustainability Hub

Supporting UK businesses transition to low-carbon, sustainable business models and operations to pursue new clean growth opportunities.

Visit our sustainability hub