A MID CHESHIRE primary school is likely to be used as the blueprint for all schools built within Cheshire.

The partnership between Cheshire Country Council, builder Willmott Dixon and architect White Design has ensured Kingsmead Primary School will be unique when it opens its doors in September.

They have worked to put a number of features and initiatives in place to ensure the school remains economically friendly and sustainable.

These include:

* On site: The specification of locally produced and procured goods and materials; greater emphasis on embodied carbon dioxide, which means greater use of timber and less concrete, plaster, metal, PVC and cement, as well as locally sourced timber flooring; materials have been chosen for their ability to be recycled at the end of their life; and recycled materials have been used where appropriate.

* Lighting and heating: The maximising of natural lighting with daylight sensor controls and the use of low-energy, high-efficiency lamps; the amount of insulation that has been used is significantly in excess of regulatory requirements; thermal mass has been used to provide summer cooling and a winter heat sink; there is natural ventilation with automatic controls, linked to building use and operation; the use of a revolutionary bio-mass and gas boiler for heating; and a solar thermal scheme for hot water demand.

Water use: Rainwater harvesting and grey water use in toilet flushing; and water conservation measures introduced, such as the sustainable urban drainage system within the school grounds area.

Waste and recycling: The building's waste will be minimised and a recycling scheme will be implemented.

The school grounds: Semi-sheltered outside areas will be used to provide research and learning spaces and there will be a provision of ecological learning areas in the grounds.

Facilities: There will be flexible spaces in place for different teaching scenarios with fully integrated IT provisions and facilities; comfortable working conditions and high-quality teaching and learning environments; enhanced facilities for support staff, a larger staff room, a staff shower and drying room facilities; and greater emphasis on construction safety.

A green travel plan will be required and there have been discussions initiated about the provision of local food.

Ray Baker, of Cheshire County Council, said: 'This is a school that we hope will set the standards for schools across the region and, indeed, the country.'