PEDIA project: how CEA wants to promote energy efficiency in schools

The Cyprus Energy Agency (CEA) is now conducting PEDIA (Promoting Energy efficiency & Developing Innovative Approaches in schools). PEDIA is the first project that approaches the overall needs of the public school buildings in Cyprus, to transform them into nearly-zero energy buildings [NZEBs], while seeking to address chronic and long-standing issues like inadequate heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation.

PEDIA project was conceived specifically to create a framework that will enable Cyprus’ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth, which is also a project partner, to improve the energy efficiency and indoor comfort levels of schools, using the technical help provided by the Project Development Assistance (PDA) through the Horizon 2020 programme, and building on previous results from the Interreg MED TEESCHOOLS project.

The project must be implemented during a time when the effects of climate change become more and more evident, and the creation of green, energy-efficient, and sustainable constructions, is one of the core demands of the «European Green Deal». Thus, PEDIA connects a wide range of actions aiming to bring change through the transition from fragmented, temporary and isolated solutions, to long-term, holistic and permanent approaches, where the school buildings, besides becoming zero-energy buildings, will constitute an integral part of the educational, pedagogical and social functions of the school.

Twenty-five schools of all educational levels will be thoroughly studied through the project, to meet the NZEB level, creating a solid long-term energy renovation strategy for a collective change for all public school buildings, as part of the official policy of Cyprus’ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth. This will be achieved through interventions that will include thermal insulation of roofs and walls, window replacement, installation of shading, ventilation, LED lighting and photovoltaic systems, the adoption of efficient cooling solutions, and the creation of green roofs.

Overall, PEDIA is a strategic project, which is estimated to bring €7.5 million in investments and aims to expand in further 100 schools in the next years, with shared investments from national and European funds.