BREEAM Outstanding – UK’s highest score for Ysgol Dyffryn Aeron – Wynne Construction

Wynne Construction has received that honour after securing an outstanding rating of 93.69% under the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) 2018 Education Scheme for its building of Ysgol Dyffryn Aeron.

The new £16.3m facility in Ceredigion, which amalgamated Ciliau Parc School, Dihewyd School, and Felinfach School, is only the second educational project in Wales to secure the top grade.

Officially opened by first minister of Wales Eluned Morgan MS, the outstanding rating is a landmark moment for the education hub that can accommodate up to 210 students, with additional capacity for ALN, Welsh language, and pre-school provision.

Wynne Construction director Richard Wynne said: “This is a hugely significant achievement by the whole team, especially given the complexities around securing such a high mark.

“To achieve an outstanding rating, schemes must score above 85 per cent, so to reach 93 per cent and be the highest-scoring education building in the UK is phenomenal.

“Without collaboration between the client, Ceredigion County Council, ourselves, and the supply chain, none of this would have been possible, and the collective parts of the scheme should be proud of the work that has gone in.”

BREEAM provides a sustainability assessment framework, measuring value in a series of categories that address factors such as low impact design and carbon emissions reduction. These include management, water, energy, transport, waste, pollution, health and wellbeing, and innovation.

Richard continued: “Unless the team have a shared vision, these types of certifications are impossible to achieve.

“When we were liaising with our assessor, Hannah from RedSix, it became clear that we were on the right path to hitting the levels needed for an outstanding rating.

“With some guidance, we were able to push that bit harder when it came to ecology improvements around certain plant species, for example.

“It’s a massive accomplishment for Wynne Construction, Ceredigion County Council, and the entire project delivery team.”

A spokesperson for the Building Research Establishment (BRE) said: “Congratulations to Wynne Construction for achieving a BREEAM Outstanding rating for Ysgol Dyffryn Aeron.

“This reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and sets a benchmark for future sustainable schools.”

Councillor Wyn Thomas, Ceredigion Cabinet Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning, said: “Ysgol Dyffryn Aeron offers our pupils a world-class education and provides a 21st-century facility, as well as facilities to support pupils with additional learning needs.

“The school is a fantastic show of collaboration across the council, contractors, and Welsh Government.

“We are very proud to receive an Outstanding BREEAM accreditation, which reflects our commitment in Ceredigion to sustainability.”