A five-year programme with a total expenditure of approximately 100 million euros to install air conditioning units at schools was prepared, Education, Culture, Sports Minister Prodromos Prodromou has told CNA.

He said that the intention to install the units was announced in September 2021 and it came at the initiative of Democratic Rally leader Averof Neofytou.

He noted that a scientific group made up of officials from the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) and the University of Cyprus is working to create a suitable bioclimatic environment and thermal conditions.

At the same time, Prodromou added, the pilot project PEDIA is underway.

The PEDIA programme is funded by the EU and is aiming at the energy upgrading of public schools. The programme, ie Promoting Energy efficiency & Developing Innovative Approaches in schools, initially includes 25 schools from all over Cyprus and the improvement work will bring energy savings amounting to 250,000 euros annually for these 25 schools.

Minister Prodromou said the 25 schools have been selected among 100 and it may likely be extended to other schools.