School No. 25 in Astana, Kazakhstan, recently received energy efficient upgrades thanks to a $207,162 grant from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company.

The school, which is in the Kazakh capital and provides bilingual education to nearly 1,000 students, was outfitted with energy-efficient windows, insulation and a more efficient heating system. The ERBD and the operator of the country's national grid teamed up to offset the school’s carbon footprint and reduce CO2 emissions.

“In addition to offsetting carbon emissions, we wanted to demonstrate that investment in energy efficiency is not just good for the environment, but makes good financial sense,” Janet Heckman, EBRD director for Kazakhstan, said. “The school will save a lot of money on its energy bills – not to mention (providing) warmer, more comfortable rooms for deserving young people.” 

The upgrades are expected to save the school approximately $5,169 in annual heating costs.