Italy allocates 20 million euros for school cooling systems

The Italian Ministry of Education and Merit has allocated 20 million euros to assist state schools in purchasing and installing cooling devices to improve microclimatic comfort in classrooms. This measure follows intense summer heatwaves that have highlighted the need for better temperature regulation in educational environments.

Applications for the funds are being managed through a “first-come, first-served” procedure, with a deadline for submissions set for Friday, September 11, 2026. The funding is intended for public school buildings that are not newly constructed and have not received energy efficiency interventions in the last five years.

Some critics and officials have raised concerns regarding the sufficiency of the funds and the rapid application process. While the Ministry describes the measure as a fulfilled promise, others note that the amount may be inadequate to cover the needs of nearly 8,000 schools, particularly for more expensive permanent installations versus portable units.