*Press Release

25 public schools across Cyprus are undergoing a major upgrade to become more energy-efficient as part of the project “Creating Zero-Energy Schools.” The project, with a total budget of €20 million, is co-funded by the EU through the Cohesion Policy Program “THALIA 2021–2027.”

The goal is to create highly energy-efficient school buildings that offer optimal thermal comfort, adequate ventilation, and energy-efficient lighting. Through the implementation of this project, the quality of the school environment is improved for the benefit of students and teachers, while at the same time significantly reducing energy consumption and enhancing environmental protection. To date, work has been completed at 12 schools, while work on the remaining 13 schools is expected to be completed in early 2028.

The project is being implemented by the Cyprus Energy Agency, which is carrying out a comprehensive strategy for the energy retrofit of public school buildings. Through this project, schools are being transformed into nearly zero-energy buildings, contributing both to the achievement of national and European energy and climate goals, as well as to the creation of a higher-quality educational environment.

The project is innovative, introducing a new philosophy for the school environment. The school building itself functions as part of the educational process. Thermal comfort, proper ventilation, natural lighting, and the overall quality of the interior spaces contribute significantly to improving students’ well-being and their concentration in the classroom, and consequently have a positive impact on their final learning outcomes. At the same time, the upgraded schools serve as living examples of sustainable development, fostering environmental and energy awareness among the younger generation.

Extensive renovations to school facilities

The improvements cover nearly every aspect of the school buildings and their electrical and mechanical systems. They include thermal insulation of walls and ceilings, waterproofing of flat roofs, replacement of window and door frames with new thermally insulated windows and doors, replacing existing lighting with LED fixtures, installing modern ventilation systems, repairing moisture damage and interior surfaces, maintenance of awnings where needed, as well as the creation of green roofs, new landscaping, and the installation of photovoltaic systems. These interventions significantly reduce the energy needs of school buildings and improve the indoor microclimate, creating safer, healthier, and more functional learning spaces.

Schools in all provinces

A total of 25 public schools at all levels of education are participating in the project—from preschool and elementary through secondary, technical, and special education.The geographic distribution includes 12 schools in Nicosia, four in Limassol, three in Larnaca, three in Paphos, and three in the free district of Famagusta. These school facilities account for 3% of the country’s 800 public schools; nevertheless, the project is of particular strategic importance, as it establishes the model upon which a long-term energy renovation strategy for all public school buildings can be developed.

Measurable benefits for the environment and the government

The numbers clearly illustrate the project’s environmental impact. Upon completion, the schools will save 3,785 MWh annually, while carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by approximately 1,021 metric tons of CO₂ each year. At the same time, heating and cooling needs are significantly reduced, which lowers operating costs and improves the efficiency of public infrastructure.

A Guide to the School of the Future

Beyond the immediate energy and environmental benefits, the project aims to serve as the starting point for a comprehensive shift in the way public school buildings are designed and renovated in Cyprus. It introduces a new methodology based on environmental, energy, and socioeconomic criteria and creates a comprehensive framework for future interventions in all public school buildings. Through the “THALIA 2021–2027” Cohesion Policy Program, which is co-funded by the EU, the green transition is making a substantial social impact, investing not only in more efficient public infrastructure but also in the quality of public education, for the benefit of future generations.

The project’s implementation is based on the energy needs assessment model developed through the European PEDIA project, under the Horizon 2020 program. The construction component is co-financed by the Cohesion Policy Program “THALIA 2021–2027,” while technical support is funded by the European Project Development Assistance (PDA) program and the PEDIA project.