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'Green' awards for school designs
TWO of South Tyneside's newest schools are top of the class when it comes to being green.
Mortimer Community College and Jarrow School have both achieved full marks in a national environmental assessment.
They were both classed as 'excellent' by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), experts on the environmental impact of buildings.
The body presented both schools with BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) certificates, confirming their excellence.
The schools were the first to open in South Tyneside under the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme.
BSF is the biggest-ever national schools investment programme, which aims to rebuild or renew nearly every secondary school in Britain.
Mortimer Community College in Reading Road, South Shields, reopened after improvements in September this year.
Two of the many green innovations are the use of rainwater to flush toilets and an intelligent lighting system, which saves energy when rooms and corridors are empty.
Mortimer headteacher Claire Mullane is delighted with the 'excellent' rating.
"The rating reflects how the building takes into account sustainablility, and reduces its carbon footprint," she said.
"I don't think any schools have achieved higher than an excellent rating, so it is something we are particularly proud of.
"It recognises matters that are close to our pupils' hearts and it's good for them to know the building they study in respects their beliefs."
Also awarded with an excellent rating was the new Jarrow School, in Field Terrace.
Jarrow acting head Jill Gillies said: "The school is partly made from recycled materials and we are very energy-efficient. We are very proud to get the award."
The green building cost 20m and was opened in October this year.
BREEAM is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings.
It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and is the standard measure for a building's environmental performance.
BRE director Martin Townsend was impressed with both schools, and said: "It always gives me the most personal satisfaction to visit a school that has achieved a BREEAM excellent standard.
"They are, for me, an important reminder that we need to build buildings that are not only great in their design and efficient in their operation, but also are good for the people that work there.
"Well-designed and functional schools not only achieve these goals, but also support and enhance the learning experience.
"It was great to see a real pride from everyone involved in Jarrow School and Mortimer Community College. They had a common goal to build the best school possible for current students, as well as those to follow."
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
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