Pupils start learning at Wales' first zero carbon school

Written by: Nathan Spackman | Updated: Wednesday 2nd March 2022 4:19am

Pupils have started lessons at South Point Primary School in Rhoose – Wales' first net carbon zero school.

Work on the £5 million project was completed recently and teaching began at the state-of-the-art facility on Wednesday following the half-term break.

Its revolutionary design means greenhouse gas emissions will be greatly reduced and any remaining offset, neutralising the school's environmental impact.

The building has been designed to achieve net-zero carbon through improved building fabric, maximising solar gain, increased photovoltaic panels with battery storage and an air source heat pump.

There is significant outdoor space for play and sport activities and storage for push bikes and scooters to help promote active travel.

The school also has electric vehicle charging points, with green habitat areas containing flowers and trees within the grounds, a play ground and a multi-use games area.

Contractors ISG construction began work on the school, which has capacity for 210 pupils and 48 part-time nursery places, in January last year.

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

This work is part of the Council's Sustainable Communities for Learning 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: ''I popped into the school last week and it is absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait to hear what the children think of it.''

''This new school building will provide a modern teaching and learning environment for staff and pupils as well as a range of facilities for the local community.''

“The council has made a climate commitment through our Project Zero initiative, which aims to make the organisation carbon neutral by 2030.''

''Delivering schools like this which are extremely environmentally friendly is a key part of that pledge.''

''This is the latest project in our Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, a far-reaching body of work intended to transform educational facilities across the Vale.''

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