Catalonia launches school climate plan and Barcelona expands cooling network

The Generalitat de Catalunya has launched the ‘Pla Actualitza Clima’ (Climate Update Plan) to modernize the climate control systems of 2,530 public schools across the region. Between the 2026-2027 and 2030-2031 academic years, the government will invest up to 2.5 billion euros to ensure thermal comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. The initiative addresses the aging infrastructure of Catalan schools, noting that approximately 25% of buildings date before 1960.

In Barcelona, the Districlima sustainable climate network has expanded with the completion of the Bogatell plant. This new facility utilizes seawater rather than freshwater to generate high-efficiency cooling, reducing CO2 emissions by 96% compared to fossil fuel systems. The expansion allows the network to serve 33% more buildings, including 192 properties in the Poblenou and 22@ districts, providing a more sustainable alternative to individual building climate units.