French schools PPP to award

As part of a Europe-wide €2bn Energy-efficient Buildings (EeB) plan, the joint initiative of the European Commission and the private sector aims to refurbish 100 schools across Paris to achieve energy neutral buildings and districts by 2050.

Set up by the European Construction Technology Platform in 2009, the Paris initiative has shortlisted four teams led by the following contractors: Vinci; Bouygues; Johnson Controls; and Optimal Solutions (a subsidiary of EDF Energy). 

A preferred partner is expected to be assigned in the coming weeks, according to a source close to the project.

EeB aims to promote research on new methods and technologies to reduce the CO2 emissions related to new and renovated buildings in Europe. The second round of funding closed in June last year. Round three will launch in 2012, with the French bid is being advised by Nobatek and ICF Novedis.