Presidential Palace Turns Green Presidential Palace Turns Green

Cyprus News – 6.7.09

No, the Presidential Palace in Nicosia is not about to have a coat of green paint, but instead plans are afoot to see if it can be transformed into a model environment-friendly state building, with zero energy liability and zero emissions.

A report last month by the Financial Mirror, said that a group of specialists from the Cyprus Institute is carrying out a series of thermal and atmospheric pollution measurements at the Palace.

The tests are being carried out in co-operation with the Building Environment Laboratory of the University of Athens, and has the use of a mobile measurement station, equipped with state-of-the art instruments.

The initiative was taken after a decision by the President of the Republic, Demetris Christofias, in co-operation with the Cyprus Institute. Undersecretary to the President, Titos Christophides said this was pioneering technology, which is being processed by large institutes abroad and which has not been used anywhere else. He added that the project should be seen as an example of practical measures to minimise energy loss and should be followed by the private and public sector.

Christophides said efforts were focusing on solar energy, since no other renewable energy sources were available in the area. He added that, if the system proves to be cost-effective, then it may be implemented by the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010.

Similar measurements will also be carried out in Eleftheria Square in the centre of Nicosia.