First 100 Schools Selected for Climate Control

The Generalitat has approved the first actions of the Actualitza Clima programme, selecting 100 public schools and institutes for climate control upgrades by the end of the 2027–2028 academic year. The decision, confirmed on 6th October 2026, marks the start of a five-year plan to adapt all 2,530 public educational centres across Catalonia to rising temperatures. According to a resolution published on 15th September 2026 (Acord GOV/227/2026), the Department of Education and Training will invest €100 million over two fiscal years to begin the works. The funding will support comprehensive climate control systems that manage both heat and cold, alongside improvements in ventilation and air renewal.

Selection Based on Need and Building Conditions

Prioritisation considers building conditions, exposure to high temperatures, and student needs. Previous interventions focused on schools with vulnerable pupils, poor thermal performance, or structural limitations such as inadequate ventilation or solar exposure. Incidents of heat-related discomfort in certain high schools were also factored into the selection.

The combination of these interventions is important because temperature problems do not solely depend on the existence of a cooling system.

The programme does not rely solely on air conditioning units. Instead, each centre will undergo an assessment to determine the most effective technical solution, which may include insulation, solar shading, and mechanical ventilation. The goal is to ensure thermal comfort while maintaining energy efficiency.

Long-Term Rollout to 2,530 Centres

While the first 100 schools will see works begin soon, the full plan aims to cover all 2,530 public educational centres by the 2030–2031 academic year. The scale of the project means that timelines will depend on technical planning, contracting, and budget availability.

The Generalitat has committed to publishing annual updates on the number of completed centres, investment executed, and pending facilities. Families and teaching staff are encouraged to monitor progress through the official Territori department press page.

Energy and Maintenance Challenges Ahead

The introduction of climate control systems brings new energy demands. The Generalitat stresses that efficient technologies, combined with insulation and ventilation, will help minimise electricity costs. Responsibility for long-term maintenance and operational controls remains to be clarified. In the meantime, the Department of Education continues to support interim measures such as fans, shaded outdoor areas, and improved common spaces to mitigate heat during school terms.

What Happens to Schools Not in the First Wave

The vast majority of schools will not be part of the initial phase. The Generalitat has not yet published a full schedule for subsequent phases, meaning many educational communities must wait for further announcements. Preventive actions will remain essential during heatwaves until permanent solutions are implemented.

Sources: CatalunyaPress, catalunyapress.cat, regio7.cat, llagosteraradio.cat.