Barcelona Schools Get Cool (and Warm): €32 million Investment Brings Aerothermal Systems to Dozens of Centers
Barcelona, Spain – A major climate initiative is underway in Barcelona, with the city council investing nearly €32 million to install aerothermal systems in 50 public schools.The project,funded entirely by the cityS tourist tax,aims to improve classroom comfort and reduce energy consumption,benefiting over 17,774 students by the next academic year.
This push to modernize school heating and cooling comes as Barcelona confronts increasingly frequent heat waves and a commitment to sustainable practices. The initiative, dubbed “Pla Clima” (Climate Plan), represents a €100 million investment over six years, with a goal of equipping all 170 public schools in the city with aerothermal technology and ultimately benefiting 55,000 students.
First Phase complete, second Well underway
According to sources, seven schools completed installations earlier this August, with the non-school period leveraged to accelerate work at the remaining 23 centers targeted in this phase. The council aims to have these additional schools ready before November.
During a visit to the Mediterrània Escola last October, councilor Lluís Rabell emphasized that the second batch of schools prioritized those with the greatest need for air conditioning. A total of €17.7 million has been allocated specifically to this second phase.
The aerothermal systems replace older, less efficient radiator and boiler heating systems. The new systems utilize solar panels installed on school rooftops as a primary energy source, aiming for an ideal classroom temperature of 24 degrees celsius.
Which Schools Are Included?
The project is being rolled out across all districts of Barcelona. Here’s a breakdown of the schools currently undergoing or completed installations:
Ciutat Vella: Escola Parc de la Ciutadella
Eixample: Auró School, Joan Miró School, Diputació School, Ramon Llull School, Concepción School, Carlit School
Sants-Montjuïc: Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer school, practical school, Jaume I school
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi: Escola poeta Foix
Gràcia: sagrada Familia school, La Sedeta School, rius i Taulet school
Sant Martí: School Dovella, Escola l’Arenal de Llevant, School Concepción Arenal, Miralletes School, Rambleta del Clot School, Prim School, Acacia School
Horta-Guinardó: Institut Escola Coves d’en Cimany, Mas Casanovas School, Els Pins School, Can Carabassa School
Nou barris: Bruc Timballer Escola, Escola Palma de Mallorca
* Sant Andreu: Escola Estel, Mestre School Enric Gibert i Camins
A Long-Term Investment in Student Wellbeing and sustainability
The “Pla Clima” is more than just a comfort upgrade. By utilizing renewable energy sources and modernizing infrastructure, Barcelona is demonstrating a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and creating healthier learning environments for its students. The funding mechanism, directly tied to tourist revenue, highlights the city’s strategy of reinvesting in public services from the economic benefits of tourism.
