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Description
The Municipality of Orestiada, under the GR-ENERGY Program, implemented an integrated project focused on the Northern Evros region, in collaboration with the neighboring municipalities of Didymoteicho and Soufli. The project aimed to enhance energy efficiency and integrate Renewable Energy Systems (RES) into selected public buildings, specifically, the former Primary School of Kastanies, the special Primary School of Thourio, the 1st Nursery School of Didymoteicho, and the minority Primary School of Megalo Dereio.
Through targeted interventions, all buildings were upgraded to energy class A and now fully comply with national requirements for nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB).
Key interventions included:
Thermal insulation of building envelopes and roofs
Replacement of existing frames with energy-efficient units featuring thermal breaks
Lighting system upgrades using LED technology
Installation of heat pumps combined with mechanical ventilation systems equipped with heat recovery mechanisms
Integration of Fan Coil Units (FCUs) and underfloor heating systems
Installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels with net-metering functionality
To enhance the project''s innovative character, power-to-heat systems using phase-change materials (PCM) were installed. These systems store surplus PV-generated electricity in the form of thermal energy (“thermal batteries”) and operate in conjunction with lithium-ion batteries, creating a hybrid energy storage system.
In addition, each building was equipped with:
A Building Management System for real-time monitoring and control of energy use
Energy measurement equipment
Smart thermostats with self-learning algorithms to optimize the efficiency of the heating and mechanical ventilation systems
These upgrades make the buildings more energy efficient, lower their operational costs and emissions, and set an example for sustainable building upgrades in both rural and urban contexts.
Summary of project results
The project was completed successfully with no significant implementation challenges, except for a notable increase in the cost of materials and equipment compared to the initial budget estimates. This cost escalation was attributed to the broader energy crisis, which had a widespread impact on construction and energy retrofit pricing across Europe.
As a result, additional financial resources were required in the middle of implementation to fulfill the originally defined targets and commitments of the Project Promoter, as specified in the Inclusion Decision. The issue was formally acknowledged, and a request for additional funding was submitted to secure the achievement of the project''s predefined objectives and performance indicators.
In the end, 100% of the Project’s physical object was completed, following all legal procedures and within the framework of the EEA Grants 2014–2021 programme.
The Project of the Municipality of Orestiada, under the GR-ENERGY Programme, included the following sub-projects:
- Sub-Project 1: Energy upgrade interventions and measuring & monitoring equipment in municipal buildings of Orestiada.
- Sub-Project 2: Energy upgrade interventions and measuring & monitoring equipment in municipal buildings of Didymoteicho.
- Sub-Project 3: Energy upgrade interventions and measuring & monitoring equipment in municipal buildings of Soufli.
- Sub-Project 4: Dissemination, networking and publicity actions for the Project.
- Sub-Project 5: Technical consultant of the Project.
- Sub-Project 6: Complementary energy upgrade interventions for municipal buildings in Northern Evros.
In addition, in the context of strengthening the bilateral relations of the Municipality of Orestiada with partners from the Donor Countries, a visit to the premises of the Icelandic National Energy Authority in Reykjavik (Orkustofnun) was carried out in September 2024 to transfer know-how and good practices in the field of green energy transition. Bilateral cooperation actions were carried out and a report was drawn up assessing the know-how transferred and describing specific results and ways of exploitation by the Municipality of Orestiada.
The project has successfully achieved the following objectives:
Utilization of local renewable energy sources, effectively harnessing the area''s potential for sustainable energy production.
Reduction in primary energy consumption and a significant decrease in the carbon footprint of the buildings involved.
Enhanced environmental performance of buildings, through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with their energy use.
Improved thermal comfort and overall quality of life for building occupants, contributing to healthier and more comfortable indoor environments.
Promotion of balanced economic growth, driven by increased employment opportunities and innovation in the field of sustainable energy and construction.
In conclusion, the project implemented by the Municipality of Orestiada under the GR-ENERGY Programme, involving the energy upgrade of four municipal buildings located in the municipalities of Orestiada, Soufli, and Didymoteicho, has led to a significant reduction in energy consumption related to the operation of these facilities. This reduction contributes directly to lowering the buildings’ energy footprint and associated CO₂ emissions. Moreover, the project enhances the quality of life for local residents by improving the energy performance of public infrastructure, generating operational cost savings, and promoting the adoption of advanced green energy transition technologies in the building sector.