Go ahead for 'low energy' schools

All Saints Primary will replace St Kennth's and St Lawrence's primaries

Plans for four new "low energy" schools in Inverclyde have been given the green light after the Scottish Government confirmed funding.

The £80m Inverclyde Schools PPP project will see two new secondary and two new primary schools built.

The primary schools are expected to be opened in spring 2010 and the secondary schools in the summer of 2011.

All four schools are expected to have a carbon footprint that is 30% lower than those they replace.

When complete, All Saints Primary will replace St Kenneth's and St Lawrence's primaries.

Aileymill Primary will replace Earnhill and Ravenscraig primaries.

A new Notre Dame High will also be built and, an as yet unnamed school, will replace Greenock Academy and Gourock High.

Advice on construction of the schools has been given by the Carbon Trust to improve the schools' green credentials.

The independent company, set up by the UK Government to advise on addressing climate change, provided technical advice including good use of natural light, improved insulation and high standards of air tightness.

Each of the projects, commissioned by Inverclyde Council, will be delivered by the building consortium, e4i.

The consortium includes the building and property firms Miller Construction, Cyril Sweett, Land Securities Trillium and FES.