A futuristic net zero carbon school is being created in Neath Port Talbot – with design help from pupils

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A new build net zero carbon school – as part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools Challenge – is to be established in Neath Port Talbot.

Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan will be packed with energy efficient technology including a ground source heat pump system and photovoltaic panels plus the use of local supply chains and local materials. 

The use of carbon intensive materials will be discouraged where practicable in favour of natural and renewable materials and the use of recycled materials, where appropriate, will be encouraged.

Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan will be completely rebuilt and will include a Welsh Language Immersion Unit and Community Hub delivering a range of educational and community services provided by Neath Port Talbot Council, partner organisations and voluntary groups to benefit the local Sandfields community and the wider Port Talbot area. 

The Sustainable Schools Challenge invited bids from across Wales for highly innovative school projects which involved collaboration with local communities, including pupils, in the design, delivery and management of the school. 

The idea is that the successful school projects will now be blueprints for the future of primary schools in Wales.

Originally, two winners were set to be announced, but given the high calibre of entries, the Welsh Education Minister, Neath MS Jeremy Miles, agreed funding for three new sustainable schools – a total investment of £44.7m for all three projects. 

As well as Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan, two other net zero schools will now be established in Gwynedd and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan project involves the demolition of the existing and adjoined Welsh Medium school and community buildings and the development, on the same site, of a fully integrated net zero carbon Welsh Medium community school with a Welsh Language Immersion Unit and Community Hub.

Effective project delivery will ensure the products and components used in construction and in energy use will be managed and designed to achieve net zero carbon.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skill and Training, Cllr Nia Jenkins, said: “This was a fantastic
achievement by everyone involved. The pupils and staff of YGG Rhosfan along with the community groups based at Canolfan Tirmorfa and members of the wider community all contributed to the vision for this ambitious project and we now look forward to seeing this innovative and exciting scheme develop, providing new opportunities for children and adults in the area.

Jeremy Miles said when announcing the winning projects: “Learning about sustainability is mandatory within our new Curriculum for Wales. These three projects present a great opportunity to inspire learners and realise the curriculum’s aim to develop ethical, informed citizens.”