Just 21 Illawarra schools have been included in the first intake of the NSW Government’s Cooler Classroom Fund.
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Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Rob Stokes announced on Monday that more than 900 schools will have new air conditioning systems installed in their classrooms and libraries.
“We’re thrilled to be delivering on our commitment to provide healthy learning environments in which our students and teachers can thrive, no matter the weather,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“From Tumbarumba to Mullumbimby, Bathurst South to Cecil Hills, students and teachers around NSW will benefit from new air conditioning in their school.”
Schools in areas that have an average maximum January temperature of 30 degrees or more – will now automatically receive air conditioning in their classrooms and libraries.
Other schools can apply for funding under the Cooler Classrooms Fund on a needs basis. The second round of applications opens in the new year.
Mr Stokes said the program was both economically and environmentally sustainable.
“We’re installing solar panels and ‘smart systems’ alongside the air conditioning units, so schools can offset their additional energy use and efficiently heat and cool their schools,” he said.
“Every one of our 170 new and upgraded schools, including more than 2000 new classrooms, will also receive the new sustainable air conditioning systems.”