The project is part of the fifth stage of the România Eficientă program, which aims to modernize and rehabilitate at nZEB standards 4 educational institutions, with financial support of over €7.6 million from OMV Petrom.

Christina Verchere, OMV Petrom CEO: “It's exciting to see the 4th school renovated under the Romania Eficienta program. The nZEB renovation of these schools proves that we can have efficient and sustainable energy consumption. And that all of us can contribute to a low-carbon future.”  

Radu Dudău, EPG President and coordinator of the România Eficientă program: “We are very pleased to continue the nZEB renovation of educational buildings in Romania. The completion of the works at the Technological High School in Vernești, Buzău county, reaffirms EPG's commitment to contribute to the improvement of students' learning conditions and to the modernization of the educational system's infrastructure, which require significant investments.”

The Vernești Technological High School building that benefited from deep renovation works through the România Eficientă program was built in the 2000s and has an area of ​​~300 square meters. It houses the workshops and laboratories used by 140 students, guided by 20 teachers.

The modernization project was aimed at solving multiple problems related to the inadequate waterproofing, which allowed infiltrations, the inefficient thermal insulation and a deficient heating installation, generating thermal discomfort and increased humidity, as well as the carpentry leaks that favoured condensation and mold growth. The undersized lighting system and the adaptations needed for the building's compliance with the accessibility requirements for people with disabilities were included as well.

Following the project's completion, the students and teachers will benefit from a healthy and comfortable indoor environment that encourages academic performance.

The total annual energy consumption of the building will be reduced by over 60%, while part of the electric energy required will be self-generated from renewable sources.

The main energy rehabilitation and modernization works run through the România Eficientă program consisted of:

• Thermal insulation of exterior walls and ceiling of the building;
• Replacement of roof covering and rainwater drainage system;
• Installation of energy-efficient aluminium carpentry equipped with triple-layer thermal insulation glass, with a differentiated solar factor depending on the orientation and level of exposure of the windows to the sun;
• Renewal of space and water heating systems;
• Replacement of heating and sanitary installations;
• Installation of a modern ventilation system with heat recovery;
• Replacement of the existing lighting system with an energy efficient one, with LED fixtures;
• Installation of solar panel system that ensures the production of “green” electricity.

The Technological High School in Vernești, Buzău is the fourth public school in Romania to benefit from extensive energy efficiency works in order to reach the nZEB standard, through the România Eficientă program, following the „Elie Radu” Energy Technology High School in Ploiești, the „Liliești” Secondary School in Băicoi, Prahova County, and the „Zig-Zag” Kindergarten in Ovidiu, Constanța County.