Expanded Scope for Local Councils

On Tuesday 3rd November 2026, the Catalan government announced an expansion of the Plan Actualiza Clima, allowing town councils to include secondary schools, known as instituts, in their air conditioning improvement projects, not just primary schools. The move aims to accelerate climate control upgrades in secondary education centres across the region.

Originally, the plan permitted councils to carry out and pre-finance air conditioning works in primary schools, with reimbursement from the Generalitat. Now, under the updated agreement, this option extends to secondary schools, enabling faster deployment of thermal comfort measures in all public educational centres.

Deadline Extended to 31 December

Councils have until 31st December 2026 to submit expressions of interest to join the plan. After submission, a collaboration agreement must be formalised between the council and the Generalitat, outlining the terms for reimbursement of the council’s advance investment.

The reimbursement will cover the full cost of implementation, including technical studies and projects, procurement of works, services and supplies, and verified borrowing costs such as interest and commissions.

To support councils, the Generalitat will estimate the cost of proposed actions once an expression of interest is received, allowing councils to confirm or withdraw their application based on this assessment.

Part of Broader Climate Adaptation Strategy

The initiative is part of a wider effort to climatise 2,530 public educational centres across Catalonia by 2031, with an overall investment of €2.558 billion. The plan prioritises thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency in school buildings.

According to the Generalitat’s resolution published on 3rd November, the update responds to urgent needs caused by rising temperatures, as only around one in ten school centres currently has air conditioning.

Further details on the strategic framework are available via the Catalan Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change 2021–2030.

What it means for you

  • When: The deadline to join the plan is 31st December.
  • Where: The plan applies to secondary schools in municipalities across Catalonia.
  • What to do: Submit an expression of interest form by 31st December to join the plan.

Sources: Govern de Catalunya, Generalitat de Catalunya, diaricatalunya.cat, El Periódico.