Pen-Y-Dre High School becomes first carbon neutral refurbishment school in Wales

Renowned for its high standards and achievements, Pen-Y-Dre High School is Merthyr Tydfil’s award-winning education centre. The school caters for the education and development needs of 800 pupils aged 11-16.

Set in a beautiful green campus, Pen-Y-Dre is famous for its outstanding academic and sporting facilities. The school’s extensive site can accommodate a variety of activities, including a full size swimming pool. Pen-Y-Dre High School is  more than an educational building, it is at the heart of the local community, and is used by many groups outside the traditional school day.

Brief and design

After an initial survey of the roof, our team agreed that to meet the client’s brief, Alumasc’s Derbigum Olivine system was the best option. Not only would it meet the need for longevity and durability with its 35-year warranty, the system would substantially reduce CO₂, assisting in making Pen-Y-Dre the first net carbon high school in Wales.

The first of its kind

Calculations carried out by the team demonstrated there were several benefits to the Derbigum Olivine system compared to a traditional felt roof. This environmentally friendly roofing system neutralises CO₂, via an irreversible chemical reaction when it comes into contact with rainwater. Its proven performance means that 1m² of olivine has the capacity to capture approximately 1.75kg of CO₂.

The teams calculations highlighted that installing the Derbigum Olivine system would improve the performance and increase the efficiency of the construction, keeping heat flow through the structure to a minimum, therefore reducing the school’s energy costs.

The new refurbishments for Pen-Y-Dre High School would help the school deliver their vision to become carbon neutral.

Technical information

Alumasc’s innovative roofing system comprise, a premium CO₂, neutralising reinforced APP polymer modified bituminous waterproofing membrane, underlays, insulation boards, with air and vapour control layers.

Surfaced with a naturally occurring mineral upper layer, this layer initiates a chemical reaction with CO₂ from rainwater, irreversibly neutralising the pollutant on contact.

The Olivine granules cause a chemical reaction in CO₂ in rainwater which converts it to silicon dioxide (sand) and magnesium carbonate, two products harmless to the environment.

Complete with BBA certification, Derbigum Olivine is a fully warranted system with a life expectancy of up to 50 years. Although the olivine grains decrease in size with each reaction, the grains are large enough to span an impressive 30 years before having completely reacted. Not only is the system durable, it is sustainable, as the membranes used are 100% recyclable.