Schools get energy makeovers

A YEAR-LONG £1.3m energy saving upgrade across 11 schools in Cardiff has just been completed.

The work is part of Cardiff council’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The latest school initiative aims to cut carbon emissions by up to 20% across 11 sites – Ysgol Bro Edern, Bryn Celyn Primary, Glyncoed Primary, Hywel Dda Primary, Llandaff City Primary, Llanishen High, Mary Immaculate High, Ysgol Plasmawr, St Illtyd’s High, Bishop of Llandaff High, and Ty Gwyn Special School – as well as save an estimated £185,000 a year.

The work is funded through Salix Finance, a UK government-funded organisation which provides interestfree loans to the public sector for energy efficiency projects.

As part of the project, new energy efficient technology has been installed across the schools including LED lighting upgrades, solar panels, fridge and freezer controls, valve and pipework insulation, as well as new building energy management systems.

Pupils will learn about the benefits of the work – including enhanced lighting levels and health benefits from removing existing fluorescent lighting – during sessions with the schools’ eco teams.

Cabinet member for education, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: “Schools form some of the largest energy users on our estate so upgrading technologies within them is an important part of our energy reduction strategy. In the face of the climate emergency, continuing to invest in these types of projects, continuing to make our energy choices as smart as possible is clearly the right thing to do.”