Work on Vale of Glamorgan's first zero carbon school begins

Llancarfan Primary School will become one of the first net-zero carbon schools in Wales when a £5 million scheme to construct a new building is completed.

That means greenhouse gas emissions will be greatly reduced and any remaining emissions offset, neutralising the school’s environmental impact.

ISG will be delivering the project and began work on the scheme recently, which will see the school move to a new site in Rhoose with capacity for 210 pupils and 48 part-time nursery places.

Teaching will take place in classrooms across two stories, while the project also includes a main hall for sport and dining, offices, a staffroom and breakout areas.

Within the grounds there will be play areas, a multi-use games area (MUGA) and green areas containing flowers and trees.

This work is part of the Council’s 21st Century Schools programme, a long-term improvement scheme that will see £135 million invested to deliver top-class facilities and ultra-modern learning environments.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Education, said: “This new school building is an expansion of an experienced and caring primary school. It will provide a modern learning environment and also facilities for the community.

“It will be one of the first net-zero carbon schools in Wales and will help us meet our climate commitment.

“This expansion will extend the school’s age range from 4-11 to 3-11 and is the latest project in our 21st Century Schools programme, a far-reaching body of work intended to transform educational facilities across the Vale.”

Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams said, “Our 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme is leading the way with the Llancarfan primary school project, and I’m so pleased Vale of Glamorgan are supporting the implementation of Welsh Government’s new Low Carbon Delivery Plan.

“It is so important that we act now to ensure that our schools’ proposals support the overarching work towards being a low carbon nation. It is also important to recognise that delivering our school and college buildings with partners is not enough to reach our net-zero carbon aspiration; the people who work and learn in our schools and colleges are also key to our success; we all have a part to play. It is clear that what we do now will impact on the environment we leave for future generations to live, learn and work in, and that is why it is important we make sure we involve our staff, children and young learners now.

“I am delighted that the project team have developed teaching resources that will provide an insight into the net-zero carbon agenda, which is both linked to our curriculum and provides a tangible link between the technology in their new school and how this affects the environment around them. What a great way to learn!”

Zoe Price, Chief Operating Officer for ISG’s UK Construction business, added: “Working in collaboration, we will make net-zero carbon schools a reality in Wales. As we move towards a carbon neutral future, schools will play a vital role. The next generation of students are already environmentally aware and creating places that inspire and educate is a personal passion, for me, my children and as chief operating officer for ISG’s construction business.

“This project will continue to inspire our team to innovate, learn and improve the model to deliver not only zero carbon in operation, but in construction and beyond, and we are incredibly proud to play our part.”

ISG recently joined project partners to virtually to mark the start of this important scheme - watch below: