Monkseaton High School commended for green features

Sep 26 2009 by Sonia Sharma, The Journal

A MULTI-MILLION pound school has been commended for having pioneering green features in its new building.

The £20.3m state-of-the-art Monkseaton High School, in North Tyneside, has been rated “very good” in an environmental assessment.

The landmark structure was awarded the rating under BREEAM, the leading and most widely used assessment technique for new buildings.

The school is now near completion and will start to receive pupils from next month ahead of its official opening on November 6.

Headteacher Paul Kelley added: “We’re pleased with this BREEAM rating which recognises the great design features of this school and its suitability as a first class place to learn.”

The multi-layered premises was developed by North East-based architects Devereux and built by Shepherd Construction.

It includes features to maximise light, harness solar power, and reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems and its domed roof allows natural light into the building.

During autumn and winter periods, when natural light levels are at their lowest, special sensors fitted within the school will activate energy-saving electric lighting which mimics daylight.