Energy Efficiency in Education

Our Scottish team are working on their second Passivhaus project of 2025 at Wester Hailes High School, Edinburgh. The project is a testament to our dedication to environmental responsibility and our proactive approach to meeting and exceeding industry standards.

Our team are on site delivering the £7.5 million package including mechanical, electrical and plumbing installation alongside fire and security. The install will to be Passivhaus standard including:

• All electric heating solution via Air Source Heat Pumps
• Passivhaus certified Air Handling Units
• Roof mounted PV array
• Fully LED install with intelligent lighting controls

Passivhaus buildings demand a level of coordination and attention to detail that goes beyond conventional construction. Our approach is collaborative from day one, our design team work together with main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey to ensure that every duct, cable and pipe supports the building’s energy goals.

To achieve that goal we used advanced modelling tools, BIM coordination and prefabrication strategies to reduce waste, improve accuracy and streamline our install. The site teams are trained in Passivhaus principles, ensuring that quality is maintained from the design stage through to commissioning.

What is Passivhaus?

Passivhaus is an internationally recognised standard for energy-efficient building design that dramatically reduces a building’s carbon footprint. By meeting this rigorous standard, homes, schools, offices, and more, offer exceptional comfort for occupants while using minimal energy for heating and cooling.

Buildings constructed to the Passivhaus standard typically require up to 90% less energy for heating and hot water compared to conventional buildings, resulting in significantly lower running costs. To be certified, they must be designed and built according to the principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany and pass a stringent quality assurance process.

By working on Passivhaus projects, we are Taking Responsibility as leaders in sustainable construction.