A streamlined mechanical ventilation system being adapted for use in eight schools. Eight secondary school premises are being built or refurbished under the Future Manchester framework part of the Government’s massive UK-wide schools replacement programme, Building Schools for the Future. We’ve worked on building services design to be replicated with modifications across all eight schools. An important area of focus has been the precise control of CO2 levels in line with BB101, together with a wider agenda for reduced energy use. Our solution involves a streamlined mechanical ventilation system in which an air handling unit is positioned at ceiling level in every classroom. Automatic heat recovery reduces the energy used by each unit, because the heat generated by occupants, increased ICT provision and any solar gain is recycled rather than expelled. This design meets the energy requirements of Part L 2006 at a capital cost that is lower than any comparable system involving renewables.