Finally, cooler classrooms: 25 Cyprus schools begin €20 million energy transformation

For generations of students, hot classrooms, poor ventilation, and outdated school buildings have been a familiar part of the Cyprus school experience. Now, 25 public schools across the island are finally getting a major energy upgrade aimed at creating healthier and more comfortable learning environments.

With a total investment of €20 million, the schools will be transformed into buildings with almost zero energy consumption, improving indoor temperatures, ventilation, and lighting as part of a project co-financed by the European Union through the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027.”

According to the General Directorate of Development of the Ministry of Finance, work has already been completed in 12 schools, while upgrades at the remaining 13 are expected to be completed by early 2028.

The project, titled “Creating Zero Energy Schools,” aims to modernize public school buildings by reducing their energy needs while making classrooms more comfortable for students and teachers.

From insulation to better cooling

The upgrades include a wide range of improvements, including thermal insulation of walls and ceilings, waterproofing of flat roofs, and replacement of old windows and lighting systems with energy-efficient LED technology.

The schools will also receive improved ventilation systems, photovoltaic panels, repairs to moisture problems, maintenance of sunshades, green roofs, and new planting areas.

The goal is not only to reduce energy bills but also to improve the everyday environment inside classrooms by creating spaces that are safer, healthier, and better suited for learning.

The Cyprus Energy Office is responsible for implementing the project as part of a wider strategy to improve the energy performance of public school buildings.

Schools across Cyprus included

The project covers schools at all levels, from preschool and primary schools to secondary, technical, and special education facilities.

Of the 25 schools being upgraded:

• 12 are located in Nicosia
• 4 in Limassol
• 3 in Larnaca
• 3 in Paphos
• 3 in the free Famagusta district

Although the schools represent only around 3% of Cyprus’ approximately 800 public schools, officials say the project is strategically important because it will serve as a model for future energy renovations across the education system.

Lower energy use, healthier classrooms

Once completed, the upgraded schools are expected to save approximately 3,785 megawatt hours of energy every year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 1,021 tonnes annually.

The improvements will also reduce heating and cooling costs, lowering the operational expenses of school buildings.

Beyond the environmental benefits, officials say the upgraded schools will also serve as practical examples of sustainability, helping students develop greater awareness of energy use and environmental responsibility.

The project is based on an energy needs assessment model developed through the European PEDIA project under the Horizon 2020 program.

The construction work is being funded through the EU’s THALIA 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy Programme, while technical support comes through the European Project Development Assistance Programme and the PEDIA project.

For students and teachers who have spent years battling Cyprus’ extreme temperatures inside aging classrooms, the upgrades could mark a long-awaited change, turning schools into spaces designed not only for learning but for comfort and well-being.