6. Statement by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language: Implementation of net zero carbon and the 21st century schools and colleges programme

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:39 pm on 2 November 2021.

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Photo of Sioned Williams Sioned Williams Plaid Cymru 5:39, 2 November 2021

Net zero is achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency of buildings is, as the Minister knows, only one route to that target, and other factors are also important, some of which he has mentioned, such as that active and safe travel to school is possible, that the new net-zero twenty-first century schools programme doesn't increase car use or congestion or is detrimental to air quality, and that green communal spaces, such as playing fields, or flood-risk areas, are not built upon. Given this, can the Minister confirm that the Government will, therefore, not fund Neath Port Talbot Council's plans to build a super primary school in the centre of Pontardawe in the Swansea valley under the twenty-first century schools programme, which will do all of these things? Indeed, the officers' response to concerns regarding increasing car use raised during the consultation on these plans stated:

'This proposal recognises that for some children walking or cycling to school will not be possible.... However opportunities will still exist through curricular and extra-curricular arrangements for pupils to learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle'.

That doesn't cut it, does it? Oh, but you said this will only apply to proposals approved after next January. Minister, where spades are not yet in the ground and contracts not yet signed, as is the case with this plan in Pontardawe, could you tell us why is that?