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Description
Under the GR-ENERGY Program, the Municipality of Agioi Anargyroi – Kamatero carried out an energy upgrade project targeting three school buildings: 1st Vocational High School of Kamatero, 7th Primary School of Kamatero, and 8th Primary School of Agioi Anargyroi.
These buildings, due to their age and outdated heating and lighting systems, incurred high operating costs. The objective of the project was to upgrade their energy performance to Category B+, in line with national standards for energy-efficient public buildings.
The following energy-saving and RES measures were applied:
Installation of thermal insulation on the roofs using 8 cm thick extruded polystyrene insulation panels
Replacement of old heating systems with a modern air-to-water heat pump system and two water heaters
Upgrade of lighting systems with LED luminaires
Installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems with net metering for self-generation of electricity
Deployment of Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) for real-time monitoring and optimization of energy use
The interventions led to a substantial reduction in electricity and fuel consumption, significantly improving the energy performance of the buildings. The integration of photovoltaic systems enabled the production of clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering CO₂ emissions.
The use of BEMS allows for real-time energy data collection, enabling more effective energy management and fostering a culture of energy awareness and sustainable building operation.
In addition to environmental benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and lower operational costs, the project has improved the indoor environmental conditions of the schools, supporting better learning environments. It also plays an educational role, familiarizing students and staff with green technologies and sustainability practices, thereby contributing to long-term environmental awareness and behavioral change.
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 Agioi Anargyroi - Kamatero, under the GR-ENERGY Programme, included the following sub-projects:
- Sub-Project 1: RES projects and energy upgrades in the municipal buildings of Agioi Anargyroi - Kamatero (1st Vocational High School of Kamatero, 7th Primary School of Kamatero and 8th Primary School of Ag.Anargyroi)
- Sub-Project 2: Communication and dissemination actions.
- Sub-Project 3: Provision of specialized services for the scientific support of the project implementation.
In addition, in the context of strengthening the bilateral relations of the Municipality of Agioi Anargyroi - Kamatero 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 Agioi Anargyroi - Kamatero.
The project has successfully achieved the following outcomes:
- Advancement of innovation and dissemination of best practices in building energy retrofitting and sustainable development.
- Reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions through improved energy efficiency and decreased energy consumption.
- Enhancement of the quality of life by upgrading the infrastructure of public educational facilities.
- Strengthening of institutional and stakeholder partnerships to support long-term sustainability objectives.
In conclusion, the Project implemented by the Municipality of Agioi Anargyroi – Kamatero under the GR-ENERGY Programme, involving the energy upgrade of three school buildings, has achieved a significant reduction in energy consumption associated with their operation. This leads to a corresponding decrease in the buildings’ energy footprint and associated CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the project contributes to the enhancement of educational service quality by improving the infrastructure of the facilities, while also generating operational cost savings. Additionally, it fosters the adoption of modern technologies that support the transition to green energy in the building sector.