Posted by Robert Shields.

Schools looking to improve their green credentials by opting for sustainable construction and energy saving measures may benefit from a new government scheme.

It has been confirmed that steps are to be taken to lower the carbon emissions produced by school buildings in the future.

Ministers hope to put Zero Carbon Task Force recommendations into practice by aiming to ensure that new school developments meet certain low carbon standards from the year 2013.

Meanwhile, retrofitting measures could also be considered as part of a new review.

Ed Balls, the government secretary for schools, has emphasised how important it is to make schools more environmentally friendly.

He commented: ''Children have a real desire to become the environmental champions of the future and help save the planet for future generations - and we need to harness this interest and do even more.''

People living in Glasgow may also receive further encouragement to focus on the environment, thanks to recent proposals outlined by Sustainable Glasgow.