On Friday 24 March 2023, the Welsh government announced that three new net zero carbon schools will be built with design help from school pupils.
Members of the Royal Society for Architects in Wales (RSAW) helped to judge the Sustainable Schools Challenge, which selected three innovative and sustainable designs for the new schools. A capital investment of £44.7m will fund the new schools.
The winning projects demonstrated collaboration with local communities, including school pupils, in the design, delivery and management of the schools. The schools will incorporate a range of sustainable features, including the use of recycled and locally sourced construction materials such as sheep wool insulation, as well as green roofs, and allotments.
RSAW National Director Elinor Weekley said:
“We are delighted to see funding allocated to build sustainable schools in three different areas.
It is vital that Wales has well-designed, high-quality buildings fit for learners of the future.
Similar recent projects such as Architype’s Passivhaus Trimsaran school, RSAW Sustainability Award 2019 winner, demonstrate the reciprocity between sustainable building design and developing young learners’ awareness of and engagement with sustainable principles.
RIBA’s Plan for Use guide outlines the positive impact of stakeholder engagement and embedding measurable targets in building projects. The guidance sets out actions and processes to be embedded at each stage of the design process to plan for occupancy and use of a building and its systems, something that if not thought about early on can lead to higher than necessary running costs and occupant dissatisfaction. We hope to see it used to evaluate the success of the three new schools to help us to continue learning how we can make a more sustainable built environment as we work towards national net zero carbon targets.
We hope to see these projects benefitting both people and planet.”
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Ruby.OShea@riba.org
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
- The Royal Society of Architects in Wales/Cymdeithas Frenhinol Penseiri yng Nghymru (RSAW) is the voice of RIBA in Wales. As part of RIBA, RSAW champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture and our members. Follow @The_RSAW on Twitter for regular updates.
