Pen y Dre High School in Merthyr Tydfil will become Wales first
refurbished net zero carbon school.
The first full net zero carbon refurbishment of its kind, not
only will the school be carbon neutral but once complete surplus
electricity will be supplied to Prince Charles Hospital through
the private wire scheme.
Instead of the traditional demolition and build model for
creating carbon neutral schools, this project has taken a new
approach and will see the existing school building stripped back
to its frame and built back up with high performance energy
saving materials, power supplies and heating systems.
It is anticipated that 48% of carbon will be saved compared to if
the traditional demolition and build model was used.
Part funded by the Welsh Government's Sustainable Communities for
Learning Programme, which aims to invest in and improve
educational facilities, Pen Y Dre is one of the largest school
refurbishments in Wales.
The first project of its kind, Pen y Dre High School will act as
a case study for the help inform future Sustainable Communities
for Learning Programme, projects.
To help meet the commitment to become a net zero carbon nation by
2050, Welsh Government requires all new school and college
buildings, major refurbishment and extension projects to produce
zero or negative carbon emissions as part of their operational
energy.
Additionally, to support local authorities and colleges in their
journey to net zero carbon, the Welsh Government commissioned a
baseline assessment of the condition of the education estate in
Wales. An innovative Elemental Building Condition and Carbon
Survey included all state funded schools and further education
colleges. It will enable local authorities and further education
institutions to develop a net zero carbon route map for each
school or college to assist in the decarbonisation of the
education estate in Wales.
The survey results will form a high-level proposal on how to
achieve a phased value for money low carbon solution per building
to assist delivery partners and provide overarching data to the
Welsh Government on the current status of decarbonisation of the
education estate.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, said:
“Supporting learners to become ethical, informed citizens, who
are committed to the sustainability of the planet is a key part
of the curriculum and it is vital we set this example through our
school and college buildings.
“Making our educational estate carbon neutral is a
significant step we can take towards our ambition to be a net
zero carbon nation by 2050 and it is a key part of our
Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. It has been
fantastic to see the phased approach and work being done at Pen y
Dre High School and it is a positive example of how we can
modernise, expand and decarbonise Welsh schools.”
Sue Walker, Director of Education at Merthyr Tydfil County
Borough Council said:
“The local authority is proud of the refurbishment work that is
being undertaken at Pen Y Dre High School. Undertaking a project
of this kind when the school is still a functioning establishment
has been challenging but it is testament to the school community
and contractors working in partnership that has allowed this to
happen with the least disruption possible. It has been a
pleasure to see the young people (& staff) enjoy the new
facilities and we look forward to seeing the project completed.”
