Consortium of Local Authorities In Wales (CLAW) Conference & Awards

Ed Sherriff of Welsh Government spoke of Policy and the desire to increase renewables to unlock the renewable energy potential of Wales, and deliver benefits to our society, our environment and our economy, for everyone living and working in Wales today. This included the journey to create locally owned generation by 2040.  James Searle of Welsh Government Climate Division and Sam Wright-Green, Welsh Government Energy Service spoke of the ambition for the public sector to play a key role in a net zero Wales taking into consideration the changing energy demands, carbon emissions and climate changes and also highlighting the funding aspects and grants available to support public sector.

Two local authorities, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Gwynedd demonstrated two projects let under the Sustainable Schools Challenge Project. The first school was at Glyncoch near Pontypridd. This was a primary school aimed at demonstrating decarbonisation, biodiversity enrichment and whole life value and the first in Rhondda Cynon Taff to be designed to the New Curriculum for Wales. The project showed intentions for low embodied carbon (below 2030 targets) and whole of life carbon over 60 years to be achieved at the school.

The second school was at Gwynedd, at Campws Cymunedol Bontnewydd. The objective of this school was to create a contribution towards a Circular Economy including re-use and recycling of materials and considering end of life use. This included the reuse of bricks from the old school use of locally sourced products such as lambswool for insulation and reuse of timber including roof trusses from the demolished school.

CLAW Annual Awards

At the event the annual awards were presented for the Small Project of the Year, and Project of the year. Councillor Jake Berriman Leader of Powys County Council and Chair of CLAW announced the winners.

Congratulations to:

Small Project of the Year - winner

Ysgol Gynradd Aberporth - curtain walling installation - Ceredigion County Council

This project gave the building a real facelift, delivering a big impact from a small investment. It reflected a clear vision carried through with local contractors, demonstrated sustainability, and brought a spark of joy, a thoughtful improvement that lifts the whole community.

Project of the Year – highly commended

Ysgol Robert Owen - Powys County Council

The council led this project with strong stakeholder consultation and successfully delivered a net zero hydro pool,  a great example of leadership and sustainable achievement.

Project of the Year - winner

Ysgol y Graig Fach - Ynys Mon Anglesey County Council

This project was a clear winner, delivering Anglesey’s first net zero carbon school in operation. It demonstrates impressive sustainability, with offsite construction methods that deserve recognition. The design thoughtfully responds to its natural setting, with materials and features that complement the surrounding landscape, including glulam tree columns and sensitive cladding choices. It not only increases capacity and improves provision for early years, but also sets a strong example for future education buildings.

We must also recognise and thank our judging panel, they put in a lot of time to score the entries and also attended an in person judging session to confirm the winning projects, they are

•            Nick Durham – BDP

•            Helen Groves - AtkinsRealis

•            Gavin Traylor - University of Wales Trinity St David

•            Simon Trew – Stride Treglown

Details of each project can be found on the CLAW website