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Description
As part of the GR-Energy Programme, the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni implemented a project aimed at improving energy efficiency and integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) across seven municipal buildings. The buildings included in the scope of the project were:
Technical Services Building
2nd Kindergarten of Vari
1st Primary School of Vari
1st Gymnasium of Vari
High School of Vari
Social Services Building
Public Kindergarten of Voula
Interventions in the buildings concerned installation of heat pumps for central air conditioning and heating, replacement of luminaires with LED technology and automations, as well as the installation of BEMS for remote monitoring of their energy profile. In two buildings (1st Gymnasium and High School of Vari) thermal insulation was installed on the roofs to reduce heat losses. In addition, rooftop photovoltaic plants were installed in all the buildings of the Project for self-generation of electricity using virtual net metering.
These upgrades elevated all seven school and municipal buildings to Energy Category B+ or higher, meeting the criteria for nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB). The improvements resulted in significant energy savings, primarily through reduced consumption of heating oil and electricity.
The combination of photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, and LED lighting led to a substantial reduction in overall energy use and operating costs. Additionally, the interventions improved indoor environmental quality, boosted sustainability, and enhanced the quality of services offered within the buildings.
It is also noteworthy that excess energy produced by the PV systems will be offset against other municipal energy needs—such as street lighting—further maximizing both environmental and economic benefits for the Municipality.
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 Varis-Voulas-Vouliagmenis, under the GR-ENERGY Programme, included the following sub-projects:
- Sub-Project 1: Construction of roof insulation
- Sub-Project 2: Supply of heat pumps, luminaires and lighting systems, RES and measuring and recording equipment
- Sub-Project 3: Consulting services for the implementation of communication actions
- Sub-Project 4: Consulting services for the Project implementation
In summary, the (2) construction sub-projects 1 and 2 included:
- Installation of thermal insulation in two school buildings - (1st Gymnasium and High School).
- Replacement of heating systems with new, more efficient heat pump systems in six buildings of the Municipality - (2nd Kindergarten of Varis, 1st Primary School of Varis, 1st Gymnasium of Varis, High School of Varis, building of Social Services, public kindergarten of Voulas).
- Installation of Solar collectors at the public kindergarten of Voulas for the production of hot water.
- Replacement of luminaires with new high energy-efficient ones with automation.
- Installation of Photovoltaic Systems in all buildings (on the roofs) and connection to the virtual net metering system.
- Installation of energy measurement equipment in all buildings.
In addition, in the context of strengthening the bilateral relations of the Municipality of Varis-Voulas-Vouliagmenis 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 Varis-Voulas-Vouliagmenis.
The project has successfully achieved the following key objectives:
- Reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
- Decrease in overall energy consumption through efficiency improvements.
- Enhancement of energy generation capacity from renewable energy sources.
- Optimization of the Municipality’s budget through direct cost savings.
- Generation of new employment opportunities within the region.
- Strengthening of socio-economic dynamics within local communities.
Therefore, the project contributes to the enhancement of residents’ quality of life by promoting the adoption of modern green energy transition technologies in buildings. At the same time, the Municipality benefits from reduced operational costs for its facilities, enabling the reallocation of financial resources to other initiatives and projects serving the public interest.