New Energy Efficiency Model: Tudor Vladimirescu Technological High School in Simian
The boarding school of the Tudor Vladimirescu Technological High School in Simian, Mehedinti County, has become a new model of energy efficiency, at national level, after the complete modernization to nZEB standard (Nearly Zero Energy Building). The project, worth over €1.5 million, was carried out with funding from OMV Petrom as part of the “Romania Eficienta” program.
Tudor Vladimirescu Technological High School provides education services for students from the South-West Oltenia Region. Through the diversified specializations offered to students, the school attracts young people from Mehedinti County, but also from the neighbouring counties of Dolj, Gorj and Caras-Severin.
What is a nearly zero energy building
The European nZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standard defines new buildings with nearly zero energy consumption in order to reduce emissions and achieve climate targets. This standard is defined by the European Union and imposed by Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings. According to this directive, all new buildings in the European Union must meet the nZEB requirements from December 31, 2020, and for public buildings, this deadline was December 31, 2018.
Fifth project of the “Romania Eficienta” program
The boarding school of the Tudor Vladimirescu Technological High School in Simian is the fifth public educational institution in Romania and the second in rural areas to be renovated to nZEB standards as part of the “Romania Eficienta” program.
The project included improving the energy performance of the building erected in the 1970s, reconfiguring and reorganizing the spaces in accordance with current regulations, as well as related works to redesign the exterior space.
The most serious problems were due to the advanced state of deterioration of the exterior, worn-out carpentry, insufficient thermal insulation, faulty electrical and sanitary installations, inefficient lighting, and the total absence of ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Energy efficiency measures focused on insulating the exterior walls, the terrace floor, and the floor above the basement, completely renovating the roof, and installing new, energy-efficient carpentry.
A hybrid heating system with heat pumps and a natural gas boiler, a new domestic hot water production system, and a modern ventilation system with heat recovery were also installed. The building has been equipped with new electrical, plumbing and heating installations and an efficient lighting system with LED fixtures.
Numerous serious building deficiencies have been remedied, resulting in increased energy performance, as well as alignment with modern safety, health and accessibility standards.
Building C2, which has benefited from the modernization works carried out, fulfils the function of boarding school of Tudor Vladimirescu Technological High School. The building, completely renovated, has an area of 1100 square meters and hosts, throughout the school year, a total of 60 students supervised by three teachers.
After completion of the works, the total annual energy consumption of the boarding school building will be reduced by over 60%, and carbon emissions by 45%. A large part of the building’s electricity will come from its own, renewable sources, produced by a new photovoltaic panel system installed on the roof.
Thus, the boarding school building becomes much healthier and comfortable for the students who are going to work in an environment suitable for education and rest, both absolutely necessary for achieving school performance.
About “Romania Eficienta”
“Romania Eficienta” is the largest private project of national public interest promoting energy efficiency. The stated goal of the project is to achieve the targets set by the European Union Directives for 2030 regarding carbon emission reduction and energy efficiency improvement, both through information and education campaigns and through the implementation of concrete deep renovation projects in public schools in different regions of the country.
