Parliament's Education Centre awarded ‘Excellent' environmental sustainability rating
23 March 2016
Following completion of the BRE Global reviewing process, Parliament's Education Centre has been awarded an ‘Excellent' BREEAM Certificate, achieving a score of 71%.
BREEAM certificates are the internationally recognised measure of sustainability for buildings and communities. The Education Centre was designed to fulfil BREEAM criteria, using effective insulation, efficient mechanical systems, low energy electrical fittings, rainwater recycling and sustainable materials.
Dr Edge Watchorn, Head of Education, said:
"I am delighted that we have been awarded an ‘Excellent' BREEAM rating, acknowledging that we are achieving our goal of being energy efficient. The Education Centre was designed to be a dynamic and exciting place for children to learn about Parliament. In keeping with our focus on future generations, it's important to us that we provide this service in a sustainable environment."
Parliament's Education Centre
Parliament's Education Centre opened in July 2015. Since that date, it has received 40,723 visitors from 1,220 schools across the UK. Made up of 5 unique learning spaces, the Centre offers a range of programmes across different age groups, each offering students the chance to explore a different aspect of Parliament's work, role and history, and designed to align with Key Stage requirements. It is anticipated that as a result of the Education Centre, one million students will visit Parliament over the next decade.
Allestree Woodlands School, Derby, said:
"…this trip was perhaps the best one I have experienced in over 20 years of bringing students to Parliament. I thought that the new education centre is superb."
Ham Dingle Primary, Stourbridge, said:
"It surpassed my own expectations and I would certainly bring children here again…the education centre was outstanding and the children enjoyed their workshop on making laws."
Further Information
The next telephone bookings day for autumn term 2016 school visits will be Friday 29 April 2016. Please call 0207 219 4496 on the day, lines will open at 8:30am. Additional information is available at:
Image: Parliamentary Copyright/Roger Harris