At the Technological High School in Vernești, Buzău County, education is getting a new dimension through the energy modernization of the workshops, a project that brings direct benefits to students and teachers, but also has an exemplary value for other educational institutions in Romania. Through the Efficient Romania program, carried out by the Energy Policy Group (EPG) with the support of OMV Petrom, the school was renovated to nZEB standard, following a financial effort of over 1.4 million euro.
With the completion of the works at Vernești Technological High School, EPG reaffirms its commitment to contribute to the improvement of learning conditions for Romanian students and to the modernisation of the education system infrastructure. “It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it,” emphasised Radu Dudău, EPG director and project coordinator. Numerous deficiencies in the building have been addressed, from inadequate waterproofing and inefficient thermal insulation to the installation of a modern ventilation system and energy-efficient lighting. In addition, the installation of photovoltaic panels contributes to the energy self-sufficiency of the building, modelling a sustainable future for generations to come.
The headmistress of the school, who was actively involved in the realisation of the project, referred to the tangible benefits. With a 60% reduction in energy consumption, the project not only improves the learning conditions for the 140 pupils and 20 teachers, but also makes the school an example of best practice in energy efficiency. “The building itself is a teaching material on energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Lucica Croitoru.
The impact of this project is not limited to the immediate benefits for pupils and teachers, but also extends to other schools and educational institutions in Romania. Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom, emphasised the relevance of this endeavour: “Educating young people and their teachers on the importance of energy efficiency is a massive multiplier factor throughout society. Mayors can see what can be done, given that there are significant European funds available for building efficiency”.
This success story, like the others completed under the Efficient Romania programme, lays the foundations for a culture of energy efficiency in the education sector, showing that while the initial costs may seem significant, the long-term benefits justify the investment.
The Vernești Technological High School is the fourth educational establishment in the national public school system to benefit from extensive energy efficiency works to nZEB standard through the Efficient Romania programme, after the Elie Radu Technological High School in Ploiești, the Liliești Secondary School in Băicoi, Prahova County, and the Zig-Zag Kindergarten in Ovidiu, Constanța County.