Wiener Neustadt plans cooling systems for schools and kindergartens

Wiener Neustadt plans to equip kindergartens and schools with cooling systems over the next two to three years after this summer’s heat, ORF reports. The city plans to invest about 300,000 euros, prioritising facilities that are used during the summer.

About half of the planned funding has already been included in the city’s 2027 budget, according to the city. The first focus is on 25 state-run kindergartens, most of which remain open during the summer months.

Four kindergartens already have air conditioning: those in Heideansiedlung, Badener Straße Erich Sedlak, and Haidbrunnen, as well as the Dr Norbert Wittmann kindergarten. Three other locations have ventilation systems. The remaining facilities are to be upgraded within the next two to three years.

Cooling planned at three schools

The city also plans measures at schools. Because schools are generally closed during the summer holidays, the focus is on locations offering holiday childcare or a summer school.

Passive cooling is to be installed at Herta Firnberg School in 2027 at a cost of about 30,000 euros. Rudolf Scheicher School, which is expected to host summer holiday childcare next year, will receive a conventional air conditioning system.

Hans Barwitzius Primary School is also to be equipped by summer 2028. It is expected to alternate with Rudolf Scheicher School as a holiday childcare location. In general, the city plans to cool mainly those rooms that are actually used during the hot summer months.

According to the city, most of the additional energy needed for air conditioning and cooling will come from photovoltaic systems and the municipal energy community. Wiener Neustadt has also submitted a resolution to the federal and state governments calling for funding programmes to support cooling systems in kindergartens and schools.