Tuesday 18 January 2022

Wales investing £65m to help universities reach net zero

The Welsh government will invest £65 million into helping universities and higher education centres reach net zero.

The funding is set to reduce the carbon footprint of this institutions, as well improve their digital connectivity.

As part of the announcement, all new school and college buildings built in Wales will be required to meet net zero standards.

Electric vehicle (EV) charging points, LED lighting and renewable energy are the key ways the government is looking to reduce the centres’ carbon emissions.

Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: “We are committed as a government to fight climate change. Our colleges and universities have an important role within the national effort to reach net zero, as major employers across Wales and seats of learning for workers who will apply their learning in high-skilled professions.”

Students will also be given further training in how to ensure businesses are environmentally friendly. This includes training for budding hairdressers into how chemicals should be disposed of in a sustainable way – a topic you can learn more about in this week’s Net Hero Podcast.