GRAHAM delivers Phase 1 of Brunstane Primary School Retrofit

GRAHAM's successful handover of Phase 1 of the £10 million Brunstane Primary School retrofit in Edinburgh offers a salient case study for construction leaders navigating public sector decarbonisation. Appointed by the City of Edinburgh Council, the project aligns directly with ambitious net-zero targets for 2030, demonstrating a critical pathway for upgrading existing educational infrastructure. The initial phase, completed while the school remained fully operational – a key operational challenge for live environment projects – delivered 11 refurbished classrooms, a modernised library, and a new energy centre. This facility transitions the school’s heating from gas to air source heat pumps, marking a significant stride towards carbon neutrality. The project’s complexity underscores the growing demand for specialised expertise in sustainable retrofit solutions, particularly the integration of renewable energy systems and advanced building envelopes (new cladding, replacement windows, photovoltaic panels planned for later phases). This multi-phase undertaking provides a tangible model for local authorities seeking to enhance building performance, reduce operational carbon, and minimise disruption during extensive refurbishments. It exemplifies how strategic planning and precise execution can reconcile ambitious sustainability mandates with ongoing public service delivery, offering valuable insights for future large-scale public asset upgrade programmes across the UK. Read More