Parco Nord Schools, the largest high school in Europe, has become a beacon of sustainability by eliminating fossil fuels in favor of bioenergy.
Through the installation of a 2 MW woodchip heating system, the school now reduces its annual CO2 emissions by more than 1,000 tons, setting a powerful example of eco-conscious innovation in education.
Located in the Metropolitan City of Milan, Parco Nord Schools host 6,000 students and 7,000 daily occupants, including staff. Faced with outdated infrastructure in 2017, the school implemented a sweeping energy efficiency renovation. Central to this effort was replacing two natural gas boilers, with a combined output of over 4 MW, with a more efficient 2 MW woodchip heating plant.
The woodchips used as fuel are sourced from local agricultural companies and park pruning efforts, aligning with the school’s location within Parco Nord. Currently, this biomass meets 70% of the school’s energy needs, with potential to reach 100% through improved management practices.
Beyond infrastructure changes, the Parco Nord project emphasizes community involvement. Teachers and students actively promote energy-saving behaviors, while students compete to design a totem that symbolizes the project’s impact. Additionally, regular meetings educate students about the renovation process, with contributions from project engineers and contractors.
The initiative directly contributes to the EU's sustainability priorities, including:
- Circular Economy Action Plan: Minimizing waste and promoting the use of sustainable materials.
- Climate Strategy: Achieving measurable CO2 emissions reductions.
- EU Bioeconomy Strategy: Leveraging renewable resources to drive innovation.
Parco Nord Schools’ transition to bioenergy showcases how educational institutions can lead the way in climate action. With reduced emissions and a focus on community participation, the project demonstrates how combining technology and local resources can create a greener future.
This transformation not only enhances the school's energy efficiency but also inspires its students and staff to adopt sustainable practices, making it a model for institutions across Europe.
