The next generation of primary schools in Wales will come complete with rain gardens and green roofs and be built from recycled construction materials. Artist’s impressions of three new net zero carbon schools to be built in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Neath Port Talbot and Gwynedd show how primary schools of the future will look .
Ysgol Bontnewydd and Community Centre in Gwynedd will be zero carbon in operation, using recycled materials from two buildings on site that are due to be demolished and source construction materials as close as possible to the site, including timber and sheep wool insulation.
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan in Neath Port Talbot will be a new Welsh language primary school and will include a Welsh immersion unit, delivering a range of educational and community services that will be provided by the council, partner organisations and by local voluntary organisations.
Read more: Wales' first net carbon zero school and how it works
The new primary school to serve the Glyn-Coch community in Rhonnda Cynon Taf will include green roofs, rain gardens and “nature based solutions” to manage surface water and create an educational, wellbeing and civic hub under one roof. It will also provide an active learning zone to teach engineering principles, ecology and land management, with an allotment on site.
Announcing £44.7m capital funding to build the three schools, education minister Jeremy Miles said: “Schools are much more than bricks and mortar. Well-designed buildings can play their part in tackling the climate emergency, supporting staff and learners with education, as well as delivering high standards and aspirations for all.
“These three projects are extremely exciting as well as a blueprint for our future school developments. They offer an opportunity to learn about sustainability, but also for learners to have an opportunity to be involved with the design and delivery of these buildings, to shape the environment they will learn with and to understand how decisions taken today have an impact on their future.
“Learning about sustainability is mandatory within our new Curriculum for Wales. The three projects present a great opportunity to inspire learners and realise the curriculum."
The minister’s Sustainable Schools Challenge invited bids for innovative projects which showed collaboration with local communities, including school pupils, in the design, delivery and management of the schools. Originally two winners were set to be announced, but given the high calibre of entries the minister has now agreed funding for three new sustainable schools – a capital investment of £44.7m for all three projects.
A Welsh Government spokesperson, said: “The aim is for the schools to be built within the next four years and we are working with the three local authorities to progress the successful bids.”
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