First Green School For Island Children

by Jennifer
(Anglesey)

The first ever North Wales green school opened its doors to more than 300 pupils on Anglesey today.

The spring term signals the start of a new chapter for the pupils of Llangefni's new Ysgol y Graig, who will be the first to experience the wonder provided by this modern, eco-friendly school.

The £3.7m school aims to have a "top drawer" educational environment, as well as the best resources and facilities.

First of its kind on Anglesey, its range of energy saving features, including a Sustainable Timber Structure, a wind turbine and 'green roof' providing a natural habitat for plants and insects, is most impressive.

Council Leader, Councillor Phil Fowlie, stressed, "This is a real landmark project for the Isle of Anglesey County Council and the first new school to be built on the Island since 2002.

We live in an age where climate change is high the agenda, this new school will be state of the art in terms of sustainability and environmental design."

All internal lighting is fitted with energy efficiency lamps, and the school could generate up to 50% of its own electricity through the photovoltaic roof tiles and a wind turbine, with surplus electricity then sold back to the national grid.

There is also a new footpath to connect nearby housing, giving children a safer walking or cycling route to school. The new location will also significantly reduce the number of cars delivering and collecting the children, so improving road safety and a big cut in carbon dioxide emissions.

Headmaster Glyn Roberts explained, "The pupils have already had a sneak preview before the Christmas holidays, but today is a very special day for them, one they have eagerly been looking forward to for many months."

"The new Ysgol y Graig has so much to offer the pupils; it really is very impressive with facilities which are second to none. In fact, I'm certain that the building in itself will provide the children with a very interesting science project as well as a great new school."

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