Plans in for Edinburgh’s first Passivhaus-designed high school

City of Edinburgh Council has approved plans for the new Currie Community High School, which is said to be one of the most energy-efficient schools to be unveiled in Scotland.

The project will be the first Passivhaus-designed high school in the country, setting an energy standard which reduces the amount of energy needed for heating by up to 90%. It also lowers the total amount of energy used by around 70% and minimises carbon emissions.

At the heart of the new school plans are five core elements: education, inclusion, outdoor learning and sustainability, digital learning and community access.

According to the Council, there is a strong emphasis on outdoor learning with the creation of a special terrace on the second floor providing all of the learning zones with immediate access to external teaching spaces. This focus will shape the curriculum on offer and ensure these outdoor spaces promote sustainability and link lifelong learning to the surrounding grounds of the school and community.

Health and wellbeing also feature prominently in the design with the creation of a dedicated wellbeing hub and separate wellness centre to support pupils.