Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, has ‘broke ground’ on one of the first 100 schools to be rebuilt under the Prime Minister’s ten-year School Rebuilding Programme due to £2bn of government funding.
The School Rebuilding Programme carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at school and sixth form college buildings across England, with all new buildings to be net zero carbon in operation.
The Education Secretary visited West Coventry Academy, where new buildings will be designed to reduce energy consumption and support the UK’s net zero 2050 target.
The £38.4m project is a complete rebuild of the school and includes a brand-new, state of the art sports hall, which will also serve the local community.
The government is currently consulting on how to prioritise which schools will be selected for the School Rebuilding Programme in the future.
Commenting, Mr Zahawi said:
“I broke ground on one of the first 500 schools that the government is rebuilding, which will transform the lives of thousands of children over years to come.
“We are revolutionising the school estate to future-proof both our children’s education and the environment, with new school buildings that are net zero in operation, leading the charge for more sustainable schools and supporting students and teachers to make a positive impact on the environment.
“These rebuilds and refurbishments, with the first 100 projects backed by £2bn government funding, will create world-leading education facilities, from classrooms and science labs to sports halls and dining rooms.”
The Department for Education will be showcasing work to make school sites more sustainable at COP26 in November.
Measures to be announced at COP will focus on the government championing climate education and skills, making it easier for schools and pupils to support local biodiversity and make a positive impact on the world around them.
The Department is also looking at how it can take school buildings a step further in lowering their carbon footprint.
This includes research into construction and the layout of school sites, the creation of more outdoor spaces within schools, as well as improvements to the way schools are powered.
Watch PSE’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Virtual Event on demand here.
