A school in south Essex has become the first in the county to have a net zero carbon building.

The new structure at Sweyne Park in Rayleigh is made up of six classrooms, a staff room and provides extra storage space.

The building is made up of separate parts which were built away from the school site.

This is said to be a more sustainable way of constructing new buildings and helps to reduce both carbon emissions and waste.

Solar panels have been installed on the roof to provide electricity to the school, which is already using energy saving LED lights and electric heating.

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A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “Sweyne Park School in Rayleigh has become the first in Essex to enjoy a new, net zero carbon building.

“The new building highlights how we are taking steps to be more sustainable and our plans to address climate change.

“It is the start of similar projects planned across the county in the future.”

Buildings are currently responsible for 39 per cent of carbon emissions around the world.

Education bosses say plans are in place to build other new net zero carbon buildings at Clacton County High School and Colne Community College in Brightlingsea later this year.