Paisley Grammar School’s strategic net zero assessment
Whole-life carbon assessment for a new secondary school and catchment area
By providing a strategic carbon assessment for the new Paisley Grammar School community campus, we helped to inform Renfrewshire Council’s learning estate strategy for reaching net zero.
Our analysis evaluated the comparative benefits of Passivhaus design, embodied carbon reduction and local carbon sequestration – along with spatial analysis using street network assessment to understand connectivity impacts and active travel potential.
The study offers hypothetical, evidence-based outcomes that will inform Renfrewshire Council’s net zero decision-making for the wider education estate – with the project acting as a benchmark for future carbon-aligned school investment.
Before: East-West link route visualisation, issued by Renfrewshire Council. After: enhanced visual by abc.
Whole-life carbon assessment for a new secondary school and catchment area
Our analysis evaluated the comparative benefits of Passivhaus design, embodied carbon reduction and local carbon sequestration – along with spatial analysis using street network assessment to understand connectivity impacts and active travel potential.
In numbers
18.7%
Embodied carbon savings through low-carbon material selections
9.2%
Operational carbon savings through sustainable transport solutions
-8ha
Woodland savings through lifetime carbon reduction
Testimonial
"Working with Balance has been transformative for our approach to sustainability. Their insights into whole-life carbon assessments have not only guided our policies but have also inspired innovative solutions for our community. The collaboration has been invaluable in shaping our vision for a greener future."
Iain McDonald
Paisley Grammar School
- Angus Council’s net zero local development plan
- Whole house retrofit
- Estate management for Renfrewshire Council
- Balance retrofit analysis for a Renfrewshire High School
- Comprehensive carbon assessment for Dalquharran Estate Holiday Lodges
- Whole life carbon assessment for the Hampden regeneration project
