Accrington pupils get a green light for eco classroom (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Accrington pupils get a green light for eco classroom

8:00pm Monday 19th July 2010 in

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A TEAM of schoolchildren are the first in the country to have their own ‘eco classroom’ design approved by planners – but now face an even bigger task to fund it.

Accrington Academy students, aged between 11 and 14 who set up their own development company called Roots need approximately £350,000 to make the classroom.

Features include:

• A wind turbine and photovoltaic cells for electricity;
• Solar panels for hot water;
• Rainwater harvesting system for minimal water waste;
• A pond to attract wildlife which can be observed in a ‘hide’;
• Reclaimed timber beams and locally sourced chipboard flooring;
• Walls insulated with straw bales;
• A grass roof, visible from above to attract wildlife to the area.

The classroom would be used by pupils across the borough and is a step closer to reality since their bid was approved by Hyndburn’s plan-ning committee.

The school is now looking to make grant applications for the scheme and is hoping local businesses will help with donations of expertise, construction work, funding or donating items from their shopping list.

Funding of £20,000 from Hyndburn Borough Council has been secured.

Roots spokesperson academy pupil Aimee French, 13, said: “Our plans have resulted in an amazing educational building which can be used for lessons and school trips, and anything from business meetings to a venue for important events.

“If we can have our building, we can help our community to look after our planet.”

Land surveyor Alison Watson, from Sabden-based Class Of Your Own, said: “The pupils have done everything from the design of the building to handling the planning application.

“Aimee was amazing at the planning meeting and is the first child to ever present an application to them.”

To help call Alison on 07903 704599 or visit www.classofyourown.com