Aberdare children are saving the environment as they learn, following top class investment to transform their school into an eco-friendly haven.
The investment from the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area Programme has enabled work to be undertaken at Blaengwawr Primary School that will dramatically reduce its carbon footprint and create an inspiring learning environment for pupils.
The grant has funded the replacement of old, single-glazed windows for new, eco-friendly double-glazing, insulation of the floors and ceiling to keep in heat, a new light system that uses less energy and new timer management for the heating system, which allows only rooms being used to be heated. The overall result is that the popular school originally built in 1879 will use much less energy which also saves money.
Cllr Anthony Christopher, Deputy Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Frontline Services, said: “We were pleased to be able to work with BRE to secure the funding from the Heads of the Valleys programme for Blaengwawr Primary School.
“The work there forms part of the wider initiative to create a low carbon town in Aberdare, using a number of measures to ensure energy usage is reduced, energy costs are cut and people have the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their impact on the environment.
“It also forms part of our ongoing commitment to ensure pupils attend schools that are modern, sustainable and environmentally friendly. This ranges from ensuring new buildings meet high levels of sustainability, while existing accommodation is also improved where possible.
“I hope the investment at Blaengwawr Primary creates a better atmosphere for the pupils and staff and also inspires future generations to learn about what can be achieved and how we can all make a difference to the future of the County Borough.”
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies AM, said: “The Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Areas Programme contributes to a wide range of projects, from large-scale town centre regeneration schemes to small community initiatives. The one thing they have in common is that they all make a positive difference to people’s lives. I have no doubt that this project will do the same for pupils and staff at Blaengwawr.
“Not only will the school be cheaper to heat, and its carbon footprint will be reduced, but the pupils will be able to concentrate better and learn more in warmer classrooms. I look forward with interest to the results of the study into their health, as I am sure this will also improve.”
Jonny Williams, consultant with BRE Wales said: “The approach taken at Blaengwawr Primary shows how we can transform older, hard-to-treat-properties to meet current requirements for sustainable energy efficient buildings. This projects is a blueprint for how other older schools can be refurbished to become more comfortable for the occupants, and affordable to operate.”
