To build on this, I am announcing today that, from 1 January 2022, all new-build, major refurbishment and extension projects requesting funding support through the programme will be required to demonstrate delivery of net-zero carbon in operation, plus a 20 per cent reduction on the amount of embodied carbon—that is, the carbon emitted through construction materials and the construction process. In addition, and in order to maximise the benefits of net-zero-carbon schools and colleges, all proposals will have ambitious plans for biodiversity, active travel and electric vehicle charging facilities. We are working with the active travel board to establish baseline requirements for new schools and colleges in support of 'Llwybr Newydd: the Wales Transport Strategy 2021'.

To be clear, the net-zero-carbon requirement will apply to all business case proposals that have not received approval at outline business case stage by 1 January 2022. I understand, of course, that achieving this goal may impact on the overall cost of projects. However, the cost of taking no action is likely to be far greater. I therefore want to send a clear message to our young learners that we are listening, and we are taking action. To this end, I am expanding the net-zero carbon pilot, which will continue to fund 100 per cent of the additional costs to meet the net-zero carbon commitment under this current wave of investment.

We need to ensure that sustainability and decarbonisation commitments become embedded in our everyday life. This is especially true for the younger members of our nation. We need to provide an effective way for them to learn about the environment around them, including the buildings that they are learning in. I saw examples of this during yesterday's visit. The project team have developed teaching resources that will provide an insight into net-zero carbon, which is both linked to our curriculum and provides a tangible link between the technology in their new school and how this affects the environment around them. It is important that we realise that these commitments are not just about investment in buildings, they are also about investment in the people who work and learn in them. 

Moving forward, I will expect local authorities and further education institutions, along with their design and delivery teams, to work closely with our children, young people and staff so that they have the opportunity to help design their learning environment. This is why I am also announcing today that we will make a sustainable schools challenge fund available to inspire delivery of a number of innovative, sustainable primary schools that are at one with their natural surroundings.  This is a clear opportunity to build on schools' curricula, recognising that one of the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales is to enable ethical, informed citizens. Sustainability is mandatory within the new Curriculum for Wales and will form part of every learner's education throughout their learning journey. Schools that benefit from the fund will involve learners in the development or implementation of sustainable and environmental solutions as part of their learning. I will be announcing further details of this exciting challenge fund shortly.

Finally, whilst the twenty-first century schools and colleges programme has taken an organic approach towards sustainability and decarbonisation, I feel that now is the right time to look at changing our brand so that it makes a clear statement about our commitments for the environment and future generations. With that in mind, 1 January 2022 will see a new name for the programme, which will be 'sustainable communities for learning'.