Focus on Vila Nova de Gaia: Renovating an Elementary School
The Centro Escolar Manuel António Pina, an elementary school situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, stands as one of the pilot buildings to be retrofitted as part of the procURE project.
Originally constructed between 2012 and 2014, this educational facility caters to a diverse community of over 500 daily users, comprising 16 classrooms for basic education, 6 for kindergarten, and numerous essential amenities seamlessly integrated with Lavandeira Natural Park.
SEBR’s approach is based on three key implementations:
- We will introduce a highly efficient heat pump system boasting a remarkable Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 2.23, effectively reducing reliance on fossil fuels for heating and cooling. Previously, the school relied on traditional boiler systems and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) mechanisms.
- We will install 259 photovoltaic panels, along with inverters and batteries, empowers the school with renewable energy sources, fulfilling approximately 54% of its energy requirements. By incorporating storage batteries, we will enhance the school’s autonomy and resilience against grid fluctuations.
- We will upgrade the Building Management System (BMS) to optimize energy performance and efficiency, offering real-time data analysis and automatic fault detection.
Our plan adheres to a meticulously structured timeline and emphasizes community engagement. The implementation of these technologies has begun and is planned for completion by the end of April 2024, followed by an evaluation phase for the implemented system.
Additionally, the technical solution we are providing is complemented by comprehensive training for facility managers and operators. Concurrently, we will conduct educational activities and awareness workshops for building users, promoting behavioral changes crucial for achieving energy savings. School staff and studentswill be actively encouraged to contribute ideas aimed at fostering a sustainable learning environment.
Vila Nova de Gaia’s Sustainable Endeavor
Vila Nova de Gaia is a consortium partner in the EU-funded procuRE project, which initiated a competitive tender for the renovation of six buildings. SEBR is currently in the third and final phase of this tender, focusing on the implementation of renewable solutions to reduce emissions and energy consumtion.
In Vila Nova de Gaia, 20% of buildings, including schools, incur electricity expenses exceeding €0.5 million. Municipalities play a pivotal role in attaining national energy targets, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% to 55% and increase the share of renewable energies to 47% by 2030. By investing in and renovating larger institutions such as the Manuel Antonio Pina school, SEBR’s initiative in Vila Nova de Gaia serves as an exemplary model for other schools and public buildings.
