In Amiens, the Region is accelerating the update of heating systems in schools

In Amiens, school life is in full swing every day for more than 3,500 students spread across three major high schools: Édouard-Branly, Édouard-Gand, and Louis-Thuillier. This vast educational complex, spread over 36 hectares, represents a true educational pillar in the Hauts-de-France region. However, behind this infrastructure lay a major problem: the obsolescence of the heating system. Indeed, the system installed several decades ago showed its limits, causing a freezing cold in some classrooms. In response to this concerning situation, the Region made a strong decision in 2025 to accelerate the complete renovation of the facilities. Thanks to a significant budget, important work is underway to ensure comfortable and sustainable learning conditions for students and staff.

This major evolution is part of a clear desire to modernize public equipment while integrating the latest technologies in heating. These combined efforts promise a gradual return to optimal thermal comfort, after difficult winter episodes where temperatures rarely exceeded 10 to 12 degrees. The initiatives revolve around the creation of innovative energy substations and a redeployed network in partnership with renowned manufacturers such as Saunier Duval, Viessmann, Atlantic, and Buderus.

The mobilization of high school students at the end of 2024, relayed by local and national press, highlights the importance of a reliable heating system in educational establishments. The Region, aware of the human and educational stakes, is committed to conducting this project with method and transparency, while seeking to minimize impacts on daily school life. This article deciphers the scope of this work, the technologies chosen, as well as the aids and guarantees put in place for a sustainable and efficient result.

Modernizing school heating: stakes and priority for the Amiens Region

The Amiens educational complex, grouping three high schools and more than 600 staff members, represents a major ensemble requiring particular attention in terms of thermal comfort. The observation at the end of 2024 was unequivocal: premises cooled by an old, unsuitable system faced with current demands in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability.

The challenges encountered are varied. In addition to repeated breakdowns, the current network generated significant energy wastage. Some classrooms displayed temperatures around 12 degrees, where student concentration was greatly affected, impacting their learning conditions. The mobilization of students, notably relayed by several local media, triggered a rapid response from the Region, which committed to large-scale work.

An aging network urgently needing renovation

The existing system dates back several decades, with often corroded pipes and outdated boilers from classic manufacturers like Chaffoteaux and De Dietrich, but in now-obsolete versions. Their replacement requires specific expertise to ensure a reliable and durable installation. As a heating professional, it is evident that working with brands like Ferroli, Buderus, or Danfoss guarantees equipment quality and impeccable technical support, facilitating future maintenance.

The main challenge lies in adapting the network to a new, smarter, and more environmentally friendly configuration. This includes:

• The installation of modern substations strategically distributed to optimize thermal distribution.
• The replacement of old pipes with leak-proof and durable equipment.
• The integration of sophisticated control systems improving temperature management.

The Hauts-de-France Region plans a budget of 3 million euros for the first phase, underscoring the importance attributed to this project. Planning is done in three main stages to minimize disturbances. Each phase is guided in consultation with the educational teams and the managers of school furniture to ensure that the work respects the constraints of the field.

The expected benefits for students and staff

Equipping the Amiens educational complex with a modern heating network is not just about providing better comfort. This renovation also aims to improve:

• Energy performance: significant reductions in consumption and carbon emissions.
• Safety: installations compliant with fire and hygiene standards.
• Sustainability of infrastructures: minimization of technical incidents and maintenance costs.
• Well-being at work and study: better conditions for teachers and students.

To ensure the reliability of the work, the Region prioritizes quality materials and equipment from recognized manufacturers in the market, such as Atlantic for heat pumps or Saunier Duval for condensing heat generators. The use of these cutting-edge solutions demonstrates the desire to combine performance and sustainability, a goal clearly stated in official communications, particularly from the Hauts-de-France Region.

Renovation Objectives	Description	Expected Impact
Improvement of comfort	Avoided cooling, maintaining a stable temperature	Better concentration and well-being
Energy optimization	Reduction of losses, energy recovery	Lower bills and reduced carbon footprint
Reliability and maintenance	Modern materials, tailored work	Fewer emergency interventions
Health and fire safety	Compliance with current standards	Protection of users and staff

Organization and conduct of work on the heating network at the educational complex

Since the start of the work initiated in April 2025, the Region has implemented a rigorous schedule for a large-scale project. Specialized teams are involved in an intense preparatory phase, targeting the analysis of the subsoil to avoid interference with existing networks, including a high voltage line.

This first step required the completion of 21 precise surveys, a delicate task essential for adapting the routes and preparing the earthworks under optimal conditions. The preservation of green spaces was a priority, thus minimizing the impact on the natural environment of the site. The earthworks continued with common trenches intended to accommodate the heating, drinking water, and fire network pipelines together. This technical method has the advantage of limiting multiple ground interventions and facilitating future maintenance.

Key steps to ensure a smooth renovation

The project is organized into several precise phases:

1. Preliminary studies: terrain analysis, network diagnosis, needs assessment.
2. Preparatory work: surveys, earthworks, installation of substations.
3. Installation of equipment: laying of pipes, connections, and leak tests.
4. Commissioning phase: technical adjustments, performance checks, reception of the work.
5. Post-installation monitoring: regular maintenance, planned upkeep with technical partners.

These operations are carried out in coordination with the personnel responsible for school furniture to move or protect the furniture during the project, thus avoiding any inconvenience or damage. Respecting the school schedule is central to the concerns to ensure uninterrupted teaching activities without major constraints.

Involvement of local actors and technical partnerships

The success of such a project also relies on a strong partnership dynamic. The Region collaborates closely with specialized suppliers like Cedeo, a leader in the supply of sanitary and heating equipment, ensuring the availability of the best components.

Manufacturers such as Viessmann and Ferroli provide their expertise to tailor equipment to the specific needs of the project. Additionally, a Danfoss control system is envisioned for the intelligent management of installations, optimizing energy consumption based on the occupancy of premises and weather conditions.

This collaborative model, combining local skills and top suppliers, demonstrates a path to reliable, efficient, and sustainable school heating.

Project Phase	Main Actions	Estimated Duration
Preliminary studies	Diagnosis, surveys	1 month
Earthworks and installation	Trenches, plant protections	2 months
Installation of pipes	Welding, connections, leak tests	3 months
Commissioning	Adjustments, checks	1 month

Choosing sustainable heating technologies: brands and efficient solutions in Amiens

The necessary evolution of the network has allowed for the incorporation of heating systems that meet current environmental standards. The reality of 2025 requires local authorities to pay particular attention to reducing consumption and pollution. That is why the Region chooses to rely on innovative products and recognized manufacturers in the field, ensuring reliability and efficiency.

Among the selected solutions:

• Condensing boilers: equipped with the latest technologies from brands like Saunier Duval and Viessmann, they ensure better energy efficiency.
• Heat pumps: providers like Atlantic offer models suited for large volumes to be heated and dynamic regulation.
• Intelligent and connected regulation: Danfoss systems allow for room-by-room temperature management based on time availability and occupancy.
• Efficient piping: modern materials ensure leak-proofing and longevity, minimizing the risk of leaks and facilitating maintenance.

Utilizing these cutting-edge technologies, combined with expertise in installation and maintenance, will profoundly change the way energy is consumed within the educational complex. For instance, Atlantic heat pumps are renowned for their reliability and low consumption, which helps significantly reduce CO2 emissions related to collective heating.

Raising awareness about pollution related to collective heating is also a major concern, as highlighted by a recent article on the carbon challenges of heating installations: carbon assessment of collective heating. The integration of high-performance equipment is a crucial step to meet regional and national climate objectives.

Technology	Main Manufacturers	Advantages	Environmental Impact
Condensing boilers	Saunier Duval, Viessmann	High efficiency, energy savings	Reduction of CO2 emissions
Heat pumps	Atlantic	Low consumption, fine regulation	Renewable energy, low footprint
Connected regulation	Danfoss	Precise optimization based on usage	Controlled consumption
Modern piping	Cedeo	Leak-proofing, durability	Reduced leak risks

Financial aids and support for modernizing heating systems in schools

Updating a heating system as significant as that of the Amiens educational complex represents a substantial investment. Fortunately, various national and local aids help facilitate this energy transition, thus optimizing the cost-benefit ratio of the works.

Among the supported measures, we find:

• Regional grants: the Hauts-de-France Region finances a significant part of the project, with a starting budget of 3 million euros for the first phase.
• Tax credits: some energy renovation works qualify for tax reductions.
• State aids: through systems like MaPrimeRénov’+, specially adapted for public educational buildings.
• Zero-interest loans: offered to local authorities to spread the financing of major works.
• Technical support: to ensure relevant equipment choices and installations compliant with regulations, with support from certified local professionals.

These aids notably allow for the acquisition of quality materials from recognized brands such as Chaffoteaux or Ferroli, which combine performance and respect for the environment. The objective is to avoid unproductive low-cost installations and guarantee the durability of the equipment. Communication about these measures is relayed by dedicated platforms, such as Prime Coup de Pouce Chauffage.

Type of aid	Beneficiaries	Estimated amount	Conditions
Regional grants	Local authorities	Up to 50% of the cost of works	Project validated by the Region
Tax credits	Public establishments	Varies depending on works and investment	Compliance with technical standards
State aids (MaPrimeRénov’+)	School buildings	Flat rate aid according to the project	Complete file to be provided
Zero-interest loans	Local authorities	Total or partial financing	Commitment to repayment
Technical support	Project managers	Included in the project	Certified professionals

Installation quality, maintenance, and practical advice for efficient and sustainable heating

The success of this operation also largely depends on the quality of installation and maintenance of the equipment. A carefully executed installation guarantees up to 30% less energy consumption and significantly reduces the risk of incident. As an experienced professional, Paul Leclerc emphasizes the importance of work done according to established standards, particularly during the welding of pipes and ensuring leak-proofing.

Best practices during installation

• Check the quality of materials: favor certified products (Cedeo, Viessmann, Saunier Duval).
• Respect sealing standards: avoid leaks through perfectly executed welds.
• Provide accessible control points to facilitate maintenance.
• Ensure effective insulation of pipes to limit thermal losses.
• Use high-performance control systems, such as those offered by Danfoss.
• Plan the project in phase with the school furniture to avoid damage.

Maintenance and repairs to limit interruptions

After installation, regular maintenance remains essential to maintain optimal performance. This involves:

• A check of boilers and heat pumps at least once a year.
• Cleaning of filters and verification of leak-proofing.
• Particular attention to fire networks for safety.
• Rapid intervention in case of failure, thanks to an available local assistance service.

A good information for school teams on the operation and usage instructions also contributes to preserving the system. For effective installation and proactive maintenance, the Region relies on competent local partners, like Paul Leclerc, who always promotes attentive listening to meet specific needs and ensure reliable heating.

Aspect	Recommended Action	Frequency
Boiler inspection	Temperature and pressure check	Annual
Filter cleaning	Remove dust and debris	Annual
Leak-proofing check	Tests on pipes	Annual
Fire network maintenance	System inspection	Biannual