Other energy projects | Energy - What are we doing?

In 2022, we opened the doors to Wales' first carbon net zero school opened in Rhoose. Its revolutionary net-zero carbon design neutralises the school’s environmental impact 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 playground and a multi-use games area. This project is part of our Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, a long-term Welsh Government funded improvement scheme to deliver top-class net zero facilities and ultra-modern learning environments. Following the opening, the school went on to achieve a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Cymru Award for planning excellence, and a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Planning UK award for excellence in health and wellbeing. The judging panel said: "An excellent example of partnership working with planning playing a crucial role in project management from inception to delivery. The project design went beyond the Sustainable Communities for Learning requirements and incorporated access by active travel and a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) area and biodiversity embedded in the site. The Team are continuing to use learning from this project to inform further schemes.”