Search This Blog

De Omnibus Dubitandum - Lux Veritas

Thursday, September 12, 2013

British 'Eco-school' goes REALLY green -- with mould

By Paul Bentley

When it opened its timber doors three years ago, this £7million ‘eco primary school’ was applauded for its environmentally friendly credentials.  It was heated by solar power and its plumbing system relied on rain collected from the roof, which was made of locally grown sweet chestnut.

Sadly, the zero-carbon building is not quite as sustainable as the designers had hoped.
'One of the greenest schools in Britain': Dartington Primary School's eco-building needs 'significant' repairs just three years after opening because it has been leaking water…..In fact, thanks to a series of water leaks and mouldy walls, pupils are now being taught in tents erected in the school grounds…..The new site was praised for being ‘stunning’ and ‘extremely environmentally friendly’. Its design featured four buildings made from ‘sustainable’ timber, with solar panels providing electricity and heat.

The roof was supposedly weather-proofed with strips of sweet chestnut grown nearby and angled so rainwater could be collected and used to flush the toilets.  But apparent faults in the structure mean the roof and walls have become sodden, buckling over time and leaving gaping holes for rain to leak inside……When the eco school opened three years ago, headteacher Jill Mahon said: ‘It is a stunning design. I believe it will be a flagship school which will be extremely environmentally friendly.’ She declined to comment yesterday…….SOURCE

My Take - I don't know...since every green scheme the federal government has thrown away billions on has gone bust or is going bust..... I'm just going to ask this shot in the dark question ....is there anything labeled 'green' that has been successful?  And green lawns doesn't count!

No comments:

Post a Comment