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Lefkonos 2-12, 1011 Nicosia

With 40% of energy consumed in the EU to meet the needs of the buildings, actions to upgrade the energy efficiency of the buildings are crucial.

Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, Interreg-Med work TEESCHOOLS, which takes place in seven Mediterranean countries (Cyprus, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina), started its implementation in 2017 and by 2020 will be completed. Its goal is the technical and financial support of the bodies of the Local and / or National Self-Government, for the implementation of actions related to the energy upgrade of the school buildings of the Mediterranean, in Buildings of Almost Zero Energy Consumption [KSMKE]. In this regard, more than 45 energy audits were carried out by the project partners in the participating countries and proposals were made for the upgrade of school buildings to CSMKE, based on a feasibility study.

In Cyprus, a total of five primary school buildings were selected from the provinces of Nicosia and Larnaca, based on pre-defined criteria. The schools selected are representative examples of the typical school facilities found in the territory of Cyprus. Specifically, (a) the Primary School of Agios Andreas (KA & KB) were selected, (b) the Third Primary School of Lakatamia, (c) the Primary School of Hatzigeorgaki Kornesiou, (d) the Primary School of Livadia, and (e) the Primary School Voroklini school.

Η analytic έposition resulting from the energy checks in the above five schools, includes extensive reports on all the necessary information that must be taken into account during the energy upgrade of a school building. These include the legal framework, the existing energy consumption of the building, the evaluation of its individual characteristics (shell, systems, equipment), as well as the climatic data of the area under consideration. 

Based on these data and following the methodology of 'Life Cycle Cost Assessment', various proposals and solutions were examined, which concerned two main scenarios: (a) the energy upgrade of individual elements of each school building and (b) the total energy upgrade in KSMKE, as defined in the existing national legislation [KNP 366 / 2014].

The individual measures for energy upgrading mainly concerned roof insulation, replacement of the lighting system, installation of a PV system for electricity generation, regulation of the oil boiler to increase its efficiency and finally, insulation of the heating system pipes . The total energy upgrades to the TPCS, in addition to the above, also included masonry insulation, replacement of windows and installation of a PV system to cover at least 25% of primary school energy.

It is noted that passive heating and cooling strategies have been recommended for individual schools, as well as for improving air quality and reducing relative humidity in areas with increased problems. The replacement of the school's electrical equipment for energy saving purposes (photocopiers, computers, etc.) was excluded from the evaluation, as these specifications are centrally controlled by the Technical Services of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth. 

The final energy audit report included estimated energy savings, carbon footprint, and associated costs for each of the proposed scenarios. The results of the individual energy upgrading measures showed that in terms of improving thermal comfort, the main scenario was that of building thermal insulation, while the reduction of energy bills puts the emphasis on installing an energy efficient lighting system and installing systemic. Scenarios related to boiler regulation and thermal insulation of distribution pipes present low cost and relatively low energy savings. At the same time, the results of total energy upgrading to TPCS, which has the greatest environmental and energy impact scenario, have shown that this upgrade is not economically attractive due to the relatively low existing energy consumption and the limited running time of schools. buildings and is proposed for implementation only if there is targeted funding.

Finally, in a comprehensive overview of the project's efforts to date, it is worth noting:

  • Creating a user-friendly online tool that makes it easier to assess the energy savings of school buildings after taking specific measures / interventions
  • Analyzing funding models for energy saving measures in public school buildings
  • Organizing information and educational events for the stakeholders and users of the buildings
  • Creating one online educational platform with the ability to attend 13 relevant modules for professionals and students who can obtain a certificate of attendance
  • Educational lectures in over 60 schools to enhance students' environmental awareness and behavior

Coordinates and implements the project activities in Cyprus Cyprus Energy Agency, as the Technical and Institutional Partner, with his support Cyprus Institute of Education.

For more information on work, contact the Cyprus Energy Agency on +357 22 667716 (Ms. Maria Achilleos).