A new primary school in Exeter will be among the first in the country built to strict new environmental standards, and to have energy generated by pupils.
Montgomery Primary will have low carbon emissions and will be the first development to meet PassivHaus standards, commonly adopted in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
It will also follow policies devised by the Centre for Energy and Environment at Exeter University to ensure every aspect of its day-to-day operation will also be zero carbon.
The school will use energy efficient construction techniques, and all electricity will be provided by onsite photovoltaic panels and by “embodied” means - the heat of people in the building.
The building and its environmental technologies will provide study material for students learning about energy conservation.
The new primary will be built beside the current 1920s school, which will then be demolished.
Head Nigel Hughes said: “The new school will be an extraordinary opportunity to develop a special resource for the St Thomas area of Exeter.
“The project will incorporate the whole site and will be developed to use the best of modern design to create a building and surrounding grounds ideal for learning.” km.