Schools across Powys light the way to net zero
From solar panels to smart procurement, Powys County Council is driving long-term savings and sustainability across its schools estate
Tucked into the heart of Wales, Powys County Council is proving that small communities can lead on big ambitions.
Across 15 school sites, the council is rolling out a £707,937 energy efficiency programme, combining LED lighting upgrades and solar PV installations. With 13 LED retrofits already underway and 2 solar installations in progress, the work is expected to be completed by September 2026. This project was delivered as part of the Wales Funding Programme.
The upgrades will deliver over £138,000 in annual financial savings and reduce carbon emissions by more than 111 tonnes each year.
Gareth Richards, property manager at Powys County Council, has seen the journey unfold from the very beginning. Having joined the council more than two decades ago and served for years as energy management officer, Gareth has helped shape a long-term vision for sustainable public buildings.
“Our first Salix-funded project dates back to 2019,” he said. “We started with LED lighting at two of our main depots - Brecon and Newtown. From there, we’ve kept learning and improving.”
That learning has proved essential. Gareth explained how early lessons helped refine the council’s procurement approach, grouping projects geographically and keeping costs within payback periods to attract local contractors and maximise delivery.
“We’ve built strong relationships with local suppliers who know our schools,” he said. “It’s not just about installing lights - it’s about doing it safely, efficiently and without disrupting the school day. That takes trust and communication.”
A dedicated in-house property design team manages the delivery, working hand-in-hand with contractors, schools, and project managers to ensure smooth rollouts, even during term time.
The solar installations, while more complex, are equally important to the council’s vision according to Gareth. One school, Welshpool Church in Wales Primary, has already completed its PV install with support from Ynni Cymru. A second, at Ffrwdgrech depot in Brecon, is awaiting additional structural assessments due to roof strength concerns.
“The key with solar,” Gareth noted, “is getting your design right from the outset. It’s not one-size-fits-all - you need to know your roof can handle the load.”
Shining a light on impact
While carbon savings are measurable, the true value of these upgrades is increasingly visible to staff and students.
“Our first school to benefit was Crickhowell High School, and the feedback from teachers and business managers was immediate - better lighting, a more vibrant teaching environment, and a visible uplift in morale,” Gareth said.
Some of that impact goes beyond school walls. Crickhowell’s shared-use sports hall now offers a brighter, more welcoming space for the local community.
Powys has also taken sustainability beyond infrastructure. Through a dedicated supply chain sustainability portal, the council is working with its suppliers to cut carbon emissions associated with travel and logistics, an essential step when more than 75% of its emissions come from procurement.
“It’s not just about what we build, but how we buy,” Gareth added.
As a farmer’s son, managing costs was always part of life
That’s what drives me. We’re here to save schools money, but we’re also tackling climate change at the same time.
Looking ahead
As part of its broader climate response, Powys County Council has endorsed Local Area Energy Plans (LAEPs) that prioritise low-carbon heat technologies like air source heat pumps and smarter energy systems.
“We’ve got £1.4 million in funding through the Shared Prosperity Fund to upgrade our corporate estate,” he said. “That includes more LED retrofits and solar PV outside of the Salix programme - but aligned with our five-year investment plan.”
They’re also exploring wider building management improvements and reviewing opportunities for air source heat pump installations.
And Gareth’s motivation? It’s both personal and practical.
“As a farmer’s son, managing costs was always part of life,” he said. “That’s what drives me. We’re here to save schools money, but we’re also tackling climate change at the same time.”
By helping schools’ lower bills, improve learning environments and cut emissions, Powys County Council is quietly building a legacy of climate leadership that future generations will remember.
