School powers to the top of the class

Published on Monday 15 June 2009 10:02

AN EDINBURGH school has won a nationwide top energy award.

Currie Community High School was the only Scottish entry to be recognised at the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy 2009.

The school won the Schools Award category at a ceremony hosted by Prince Charles in London on Thursday night.

The school has taken giant strides in reducing energy use over the past 10 years. The first school in Edinburgh to install a wind turbine, it also has a solar thermal system, and pupils enjoy cross-curricular learning on sustainable energy.

More than 2000 lights have upgraded to low-energy designs, windows are sealed and doors have been replaced to reduce heat loss, and the boiler is switched off for several months of the year. Solar thermal panels are used to heat the school swimming pool.

Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, city education leader, said: "I'm thrilled that Currie Community High School has won this highly prestigious energy award.

"The school has openly embraced the 'green agenda' and it's testament to their fantastic efforts that they have achieved this national recognition.

"The award is an endorsement of both the school's and the council's efforts in tackling climate change."