Late Spring Heat Wave? French Schools Need Thermal Renovation

“The teacher called me to complain because it was too cold.”

The remark sounds almost ironic, as France has been experiencing an exceptional heat wave for several days. But for Fabrice Vely, mayor of the western French town of Caudan, it felt like a small victory. Proof that four years of studies, financial and administrative headaches, and major construction work had not been in vain. In total, €3 million was invested in the energy renovation and greening of the two schools in this town of 7,000 residents.

Poorly insulated, outdated, uncomfortable—like the schools in Caudan before renovation, French school buildings are aging. According to the government, 80% of school buildings require renovation. The current heat wave serves as a stark reminder, with 1,352 schools and middle schools forced to close on Monday across France because of unbearable temperatures.

The government took up this major challenge in 2023 by launching a large-scale plan aimed at renovating 40,000 schools over 10 years…