Air source heat pumps and supporting infrastructure will enable all four of the new nursery schools to receive their warmth and hot water from electricity - a low carbon source of energy, whilst Govanhill and Broomhill Nursery Schools will also have Smart grey water systems installed to mitigate localised flood risk by maximising underground rainwater storage capacity ahead of a storm event.
The inclusion of sustainable technology in the new-builds - deliverable through match-funding from the Scottish Government's Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP), will support Glasgow's Climate Emergency Plan and our desire to achieve net zero carbon in the city by 2030. Longer term, incorporating this type of green technology will also contribute towards meeting the national Net Zero Carbon target by 2045.
As part of the council's overall programme of Early Years investment to deliver the Scottish Government's commitment of 1140 hours of flexible early learning and childcare, the Generation 5 new build programme will provide over 300 childcare placements as well as support the registration of a number of outdoor Early Learning and Childcare placements.
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The Early Years Expansion programme will be the first council new builds to embrace these new technologies in order to make the transition to a low carbon estate - highlighting our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and to lead by example in the delivery of low carbon solutions. The LCITP funding of £329,313 will not only help to increase the number of buildings within the estate operating low carbon technologies but will also provide a platform for new skills and knowledge to be gained and embedded across the council's technical teams.
Cllr Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction said: "I'm delighted that the council has been awarded LCITP funding, which means we can incorporate technology into these new builds which will help reduce our carbon footprint and help us prepare for the effects of climate change.
"Delivering childcare places in a lower carbon way complements the council's wider sustainability work in this area. The introduction of these green technologies also supports many of our other environmental strategies that seek to protect the environment. These projects will have a particularly positive effect on the local communities concerned by helping to lessen flood risk and reduce emissions from heat."
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson, said: "I'm hugely pleased that our Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme can support Glasgow City Council in ensuring the new nurseries will rely on low carbon energy sources for their heating and electricity consumption. It is important that facilities like these that play a valuable role in our communities align with the Scottish Government's and Glasgow's net zero commitments."
All four new builds are currently under construction through principal contractor City Building (Glasgow) LLP - with all grant funded works to be completed by the end of March 2022.
