Schools to get share of £60m fund to make them more energy efficient

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles has announced £50m for schools and £10m in funding for Further Education colleges.

The new funding will help schools and colleges with energy efficiency and decarbonisation priorities. Work being funded includes replacement of roofs, heating and ventilation works introducing efficient low carbon solutions and electrical systems including LED lighting.

Schools in Bridgend will receive £2,325,410 towards energy efficiency measures, Carmarthenshire schools have been allocated £3,140,640, while Neath Port Talbot will get £2,221,264 and Pembrokeshire £1,900,797. Swansea schools have been allocated £3,609,995.

Alongside benefits to learners and communities, the Welsh Government say that the £60m allocated will provide a boost to the Welsh construction industry and employment. Its estimated economic value to Wales through a £60m investment is equivalent to £170m – £2.84 benefit for every £1 spent on construction – and 834 Full Time Equivalent jobs.

Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: “Wales has made a very strong commitment to being more sustainable and address the climate emergency head on. The funding announced today will enable a comprehensive programme of sustainable improvements for schools and colleges across Wales. It’s important that school buildings support energy reduction and decarbonisation in line with our Net Zero Strategy.

“We want the buildings in which our children and young people learn to not only be welcoming spaces, but also ensure they are not impacting on the environment and the future environment of the young people of Wales.”