Sustainable Schools Challenge
The Sustainable Schools Challenge is a visionary, new concept from Welsh Government to pilot how schools can be designed and built with the full involvement of learners, staff and the wider community – delivering net zero schools which are fit for the future. It’s a big Challenge and it’s a new way of designing and building schools.
Reimagining how schools could be designed, built and used:
- What would schools look like if they were designed with learners, staff and the community at the very centre?
- What are the applied learning opportunities and wider benefits of involving learners, staff and the wider community in the building of new schools?
- How could the curriculum be delivered at each stage of the design, build and operation of a school?
- How can we maximise the benefits to the Welsh economy and maximise the positive impacts on the natural environment by building with home-grown materials with the lowest embodied carbon creating schools with the lowest operational energy?
- How can circular economy principles, such as using sustainable materials, minimising waste, and designing adaptable, resource-efficient spaces, transform the way schools are built and operated?
Three schools have been successful in securing £15 million from Welsh Government to pilot this concept:
- Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd in Gwynedd
- Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan in Neath Port Talbot
- Glyn-coch Project (currently Cefn Primary and Craig-yr Hesg Primary) in Rhondda Cynon Taff
Down to Earth have been appointed by Welsh Government from March 2025 to October 2025 to collate a Case Study of Engagement in the design stages of the challenge. The key aims of the case study were to:
- Capture best practices in stakeholder engagement during the Design Phase of the Sustainable Schools Challenge.
- Highlight lessons learned in engaging with learners, staff, parents and carers, community members and local authorities.
- Provide insights for future design and construction of schools across Wales through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
The Full Report is due out soon in Welsh and English! Watch this space.