The Green Schools Initiative (GSI) is a cross-border project implemented under the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Kosovo – North Macedonia 2021–2027. It aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable environmental practices in schools located in Brvenica (North Macedonia) and Ferizaj (Kosovo).
The initiative responds to growing environmental and public health challenges linked to outdated heating systems, inefficient public infrastructure and air pollution across the Western Balkans. Through renewable heating technologies, infrastructure modernization, monitoring systems and sustainability education, the project sets out to create healthier and more climate-resilient educational environments.
GSI combines technical infrastructure investments with educational and community-based activities. Alongside the installation of renewable heating systems and complementary energy-efficiency measures, students, teachers, municipalities and local communities will take part in workshops, awareness campaigns and cross-border cooperation activities focused on sustainability and climate resilience.
Infrastructure works in schools will be carried out during school holiday periods to minimize disruption to teaching and ensure efficient implementation.
The project also contributes to the European Green Deal, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, national energy efficiency strategies and the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly SDG 13: Climate Action.
Project Objectives
- Improve energy efficiency and renewable heating in schools through heat pump systems, battery storage, window replacement and heat-reducing window films.
- Reduce environmental pollution and improve indoor conditions by cutting heating-related emissions and improving thermal comfort and air quality in classrooms.
- Strengthen sustainability awareness and institutional capacity through workshops, educational modules and community activities for students, teachers and municipal staff.
- Promote cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange between academic institutions, municipalities and civil society through joint implementation and shared methodologies.