Austin-Smith:Lord designs new Accrington sixth form

The Liverpool studio of architects Austin-Smith:Lord has submitted plans for a £7m sixth form centre in Accrington, Lancashire.

ASL said the centre will be one of the most environmentally advanced facilities in the country and is expected to generate more than 10% of its energy on site through ground-source heat pumps.

The two, three-storey blocks will also use natural ventilation and day lighting to significantly reduce running costs and rainwater harvesting techniques to provide grey water for toilet use.

Chris Wright, associate from Austin Smith: Lord, said: "The building will be an educational tool in itself, as students can learn more about sustainability by utilising the computer system that records energy consumption. For instance, by logging into the computer system they will be able to see how much C02 is being reduced as a result of the ground floor heat pumping and how energy consumption varies throughout the day."

If approved, the new St Christopher's High School sixth form centre will open in September 2010.