Pupils strive for carbon neutrality

PUPILS at a Carmarthenshire secondary school are striving to become the first carbon-neutral school in Wales.

Students at Llandeilo’s Ysgol Bro Dinefwr have met with Carmarthenshire Council’s cabinet member for climate Councillor Ann Davies and showed her around their school and grounds to highlight their efforts as part of the council’s Prosiect Zero Sir Gar campaign.

The school is one of many the council is investing in to become more energy-efficient with renewable and energy-saving technology to minimise impact on the environment.

Pupils have been involved in their school’s bid to tackle climate change, not only coming up with their own ideas but helping to manage resources such as its outdoor learning area, where they plant, tend and pick fruit and vegetables to be used as part of school meals.

Cllr Davies said she was impressed by the school’s dedication and enthusiasm.

“As a council, we are committed to tackling climate change – indeed we were the first in Wales to declare our intention to become net zero carbon by 2030,” she said. “For us, that means we have to get everybody involved, and most certainly our future generations on whom climate change will have the biggest impact.

“It was a pleasure to visit Ysgol Bro Dinefwr and speak with the pupils, who spoke about their concerns for the future, and why they feel they need to take action now to help make a change.

“As well as the practical things they are doing, like harvesting rainwater, growing food, and planting trees and flowers to attract wildlife and offset carbon emissions, they are talking about the issue too – not just in school, but out in their communities and even taking the cause to the Houses of Parliament.”