What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to increasing the number of air conditioning units in schools across Wales?
Decisions around the management of school buildings and the control of internal temperature rest with local authorities, diocesan authorities, and governing bodies.
The Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning infrastructure investment Programme Business Case Guidance requires local authorities and further education institutions to design new school buildings to meet the projected impact of climate change. The Welsh Government is not prescriptive in terms of the type of heating and cooling services that may be included within school buildings. This is a local decision.
New schools and major refurbishments should however comply with Building Bulletin 101 on Ventilation which sets standards for ventilation, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ) in school buildings. It applies mainly to support compliance with Building Regulations (especially Part F – ventilation).