Carnegie Primary School

I was pleased to learn that Carnegie Primary School in Duloch, Dunfermline, had  earned an “Outstanding” BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) award for its environmental credentials. A couple of years ago, I attended the dedication ceremony when First Minister, Alex Salmond, opened the School.

The new School building and grounds are very spacious and have extensive outdoor facilities. The School has a combined heat and power plant, a wind turbine and external cedar cladding, which makes it one of the most environmentally friendly primary schools in Fife.  Moreover, the facilities in the school grounds mean that pupils can benefit from learning outdoors and be encouraged to become responsible citizens who value and protect our natural world.  

What makes this award particularly significant is that BREEAM is one of the world’s most comprehensive and foremost environmental assessment methods and ratings systems for buildings.  It sets the benchmark for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation. Carnegie Primary School is an outstanding example of low-carbon and low-impact design for future schools to note.

The above was originally written for Bill’s Dunfermline Press column. This version may vary slightly.