Construction of a school under new building energy efficiency standards in Morocco

Historically schools in Morocco have not integrated energy efficiency neither in the building construction requirements nor in the choice of equipment (water heating, air conditioning, and lighting). With rising energy costs, particularly electricity prices, keeping education accessible will require energy savings and improved comfort, as well as environmental performance and compliance with national standards.

International School Privée, a new private school in El Jadida, is the first institution planning to adapt the Canadian education system in Morocco. This school is made up of a kindergarten, an elementary school, middle and high school, It plans on accommodating 1800 students. The school approached MorSEFF for support on the eco-conception of its new facility.

The MorSEFF team provided technical guidance confirming cost-effective measures to improve energy performance in the building ranging from a selection of facade coating for insulation, double glazing on doors and windows, solar water heaters for hot water production, a solar PV system assisted by a heat of pump, efficient conditioning and LED lighting. The new construction required a funding of € 462,445.

This new investment has resulted in energy savings of 713 MWh/year or 71% with a project payback period of approximately 8 years. In addition, avoided greenhouse gas emissions are estimated at 453 TCO₂e/year.

Morocco Sustainable Energy Financing Facility (MorSEFF) was developed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in cooperation with the French Agency for Development (AFD) and the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) and supported by the European Union and the multi-donor account SEMED.