Hosted by Built Environment – Smarter Transformation (BE-ST), Scotland’s national innovation centre for a net zero built environment, and organised by North Lanarkshire Council’s NL Academies team, this initiative offered nearly 200 S1 pupils hands-on experiences in sustainable design, aiming to inspire the next generation toward careers in a net-zero carbon built environment.

The event, at BE-ST’s innovation campus in the Hamilton Technology Park, featured an Eco School Project by education programme creators ‘Class of Your Own’ integrating the Design, Engineer, Construct curriculum with a focus on sustainability. Pupils worked in teams, taking on real-world roles such as surveyor, director, and architect to design environmentally friendly, energy-efficient school buildings. BE-ST delivered the practical components to the day to inspire the pupils’ ideas and designs including workshops on sustainable materials, marketing, engineering and more.

The pupils were accompanied by Provost Kenneth Duffy, Councillor Andrew Duffy-Lawson, Convener of Finance and teachers from their schools.

Provost Duffy said: “The facilities at BE-ST are fantastic, providing a superb learning environment. It was incredible to see the enthusiasm and talent of our young people as they tackle sustainability challenges with such creativity.”

During the day, the S1 pupils visited different workstations, including material showcases, design exhibitions, and surveying plots, with feedback from BE-ST industry experts. Judging panels then assessed each team’s approach and application of sustainable practices.

Councillor Duffy-Lawson explained: “As a council, we are committed to building a skilled workforce for the future, and with help of BE-ST’s outstanding staff and facilities, this event offered an innovative, hands-on experience for our pupils and an insight into future career opportunities in the built environment.”

Kirsty Duncan, Associate Director of Skills Infrastructure at BE-ST, said: “Next Gen is designed to inspire the next generation about the possibilities of sustainable construction and a zero-carbon built environment. We were thrilled to collaborate with Class of Your Own as part of the Next Gen Summit to host and deliver their largest eco-classroom event in the UK to date in collaboration with NL Academies and local teachers. Investing in education is key to fostering a generation ready to tackle the challenges of the climate emergency and supporting the UK’s just transition to net zero."

Funding for the programme came from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

For more information, visit the NL Academies website or email: nlacademies@northlan.gov.uk