Lyceum No. 12 in Kovel, in Ukraine’s Volyn region, has reopened after a comprehensive energy-efficiency renovation that has improved conditions for more than 1,200 students and staff. The refurbishment included insulation upgrades, new windows and doors, modernised heating systems, and enhanced accessibility and safety features. Funded by a €982,000 loan from the European Investment Bank, the project demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investment can improve daily life, reduce energy costs, and strengthen local resilience.
The modernised school is the first completed project under a broader programme aimed at upgrading over 140 public buildings across Ukraine, including schools, hospitals, and cultural facilities in more than 70 communities. Kovel has emerged as a leading example, completing its project ahead of schedule and setting a benchmark for other municipalities, while additional renovations in the city are already underway.
Officials emphasised that modernising public infrastructure is central to Ukraine’s recovery, particularly in the context of ongoing energy challenges. The upgrades are expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and heating costs while ensuring more reliable services, benefiting both the school community and the wider local energy system.
Local authorities highlighted the tangible benefits for residents, noting that improved efficiency will allow cost savings to be redirected toward other community priorities. The project has been supported through a broader international partnership involving EU-backed initiatives, technical assistance programmes, and development organisations, reflecting a coordinated effort to strengthen Ukraine’s recovery and build a more sustainable future through practical, community-level investments.
