First-Ever Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) Upgrade in Schools in Cyprus
Cyprus implemented its first large-scale Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEB) retrofit in public schools, aligning with EU energy efficiency goals. Funded under the European LIFE programme, this project demonstrates how Green Public Procurement (GPP) can drive sustainable renovations in public infrastructure
Challenges addressed
- High energy consumption in old public-school buildings
- Dependence on fossil fuels for heating/cooling
- Need to comply with EU energy efficiency directives (EPBD)
- Limited awareness of NZEB standards in public procurement
Main objectives
- Reduce energy consumption in schools by ≥50%
- Integrate renewable energy systems (solar PV, thermal)
- Improve indoor comfort for students and staff
- Set a precedent for GPP in public building renovations
External resources
Facts
Project type
Public building energy retrofit (NZEB standard)
Pilot project for replication in other municipalities
Partners
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, and Youth (Cyprus)
- Cyprus Energy Agency
- EU LIFE Programme (Funding)
- Local municipalities & schools
Dates 2020-2027
Funding
Primary source: EU LIFE Programme
Co-funded by the Cyprus government
Project description
The project involved retrofitting three public schools to NZEB standards, demonstrating the potential for retrofitting public buildings in Cyprus.
The actions that were included were:
- Upgrading thermal insulation (walls, roofs, windows)
- PV installation
- Energy-efficient lighting & HVAC systems
- Smart energy monitoring systems for real-time optimization
- Staff training to improve energy management.
The procurement process applied GPP criteria while emphasizing on:
- Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) instead of lowest-price bidding
- Eco-labelled materials
- Contractors with specific experience in retrofitting NZEB.
Impact and results
- Energy savings: ≥50% reduction in school energy use
- CO2 reduction: Significant decrease in emissions
- Improved learning environment: Better thermal comfort & air quality
- Replicability: Framework adopted for other public buildings in Cyprus
- Awareness: Increased public sector engagement in GPP for NZEB projects
