Welshpool CiW Primary School achieves Passivhaus certification

15 March 2024

An awarding-winning and innovative school building in north Powys has achieved Passivhaus certification, the county council has said.

Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School, which was built as part of Powys County Council's Transforming Education programme, has become the first school in the county to achieve Passivhaus certification.

The school building, which was designed by Architype (Architects) and WSP (Engineering all Disciplines) and constructed by Pave Aways Ltd on behalf of the council, meets the rigorous energy efficient standards that enabled it to be granted this certification.

The innovative building picked up two awards last year - the Value Award at the Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards and the Innovation in Delivering a Sustainable Education Facility award at the Education Buildings Wales Awards.

Constructed around a timber frame that was sustainably sourced in Wales, the school has a superior level of insulation and was built to be airtight. It also has a heat recovery and ventilation system and solar panels on the roof to minimise running costs.

The project was jointly funded by the Welsh Government, through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme (formerly the 21st Century Schools Programme), and the council.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: "I'm delighted that the Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School building has achieved Passivhaus certification.

"This innovative project would not have been possible if it wasn't for the partnership between the school leaders and our dedicated council officers, the Welsh Government, the Diocese of St Asaph and our partners in the construction industry.

"This award-winning facility allows learners and teaching staff to reach their potential but it has been built to the highest energy efficient standards which helps the county reduce its carbon footprint."