Over 900 schools across the state will have new air conditioning systems installed in their classrooms and libraries.
The first round of the $500 million Cooler Classrooms Fund will provide schools with new air conditioning units that will give students healthy and comfortable learning environments.
Schools in areas that have an average maximum January temperature of 30 degrees or more will automatically receive air conditioning. While all other schools can apply for funding on a needs basis.
Previously only schools with an average maximum January temperature of 33 degrees or more were air conditioned.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is delivering on their commitment to providing healthy learning environments where students and teachers can thrive, no matter the weather.
“From Tumbarumba to Mullumbimby, Bathurst South to Cecil Hills, students and teachers around NSW will benefit from new air conditioning in their school,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Education Minister Rob Stokes said the Cooler Classrooms 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,” Mr Stokes said.
The second round of the program will open on the first day of Term 1 2019.
Find out more about the Cooler Classrooms Fund