The Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus will seek a meeting with the Ministry of Finance and PtD
Meeting with the Minister of Finance, Makis Keraynos, and if necessary, together with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, he will pursue in the next period the matter of the energy upgrade of the school units, ETEK.
According to today's announcement by ETEK, a meeting with the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Athina Michailidou, was held on Thursday by a delegation of ETEK, led by the president of the Chamber, Konstantinos Constantis, for a discussion and exchange of views in relation to the burning issue of thermal comfort in the classrooms.
The meeting was also attended by the second vice-president of ETEK, Eliza Vassiliou, the deputy professor of the University of Cyprus, Emilios Michael, and other members of the Chamber.
During the meeting, ETEK presented to the Minister a complete proposal for the energy upgrade of schools, with both sides agreeing on the principle, however approaching the implementation of this large project with a different lens as there seems to be difficulty in securing the funds required for the implementation of ETEK's proposal.
The president of ETEK reiterated that the mass installation of split-type air conditioners is not the proper solution.
However, as he typically said – highlighting Cyprus' obligation towards the EU for the energy upgrade of public buildings, including of schools – regardless of the installation of air conditioners, the rate of application of simple but effective passive measures to improve thermal comfort must be greatly accelerated.
Such low-cost and quick-to-implement measures are thermal insulation of the roof where there is none, sun protection, installation of ventilation mechanism for night cooling and ceiling fans and appropriate planting.
As stated in the announcement, the proposal of ETEK, which also includes a proposed methodology within the framework of public contracts, is priced at €100 million and can be implemented over a five-year period, which implies an annual cost of €20 million.
On the basis of the Chamber's proposal, it is possible, before 2029, with the exception of individual cases, for these measures to be implemented in all schools throughout Cyprus, significantly improving the thermal comfort of classrooms, with almost zero operating costs.
It is worth noting that ETEK, on the issue of energy upgrading of schools, has also worked closely with the University of Cyprus to formulate its proposal. The two organizations have also prepared an informative video, with the aim of enlightening the wider public, while they are ready to assist in any effort aimed at the energy upgrade of school units.
Putting the whole matter as a priority, the ETEK will seek a meeting with the Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, and if necessary with the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis.
As stated in the ETEK announcement, the procrastination in making bold decisions and undertaking a manageable cost today, will bequeath a multiple monetary and environmental cost in the future.
