October 9, 2025
The Pyrénées-Atlantiques department and Lembeye Middle School were honored with the Banque des Territoires and Édurénov Award
Equans France, a major player in the energy-efficient renovation of school buildings, congratulates the winners of the School Renovation Award, which recognizes exemplary energy-efficient projects and is presented by the Banque des Territoires and Édurénov. Equans France is proud to have participated in the comprehensive renovation project for the Vic-Bilh middle school in Lembeye (64), which included the installation of a rooftop photovoltaic system and was completed in the summer of 2024. This system, of which the photovoltaic generator is a key component, has enabled the middle school to self-consume more than 50% of its electricity. The system has helped reduce the school’s energy bill by approximately 30%, representing savings of nearly 6,000 euros per year.
Lembeye Middle School Goes Solar: An Exemplary Energy-Efficiency Renovation
On Wednesday, October 8, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques Departmental Council received the “Renovated Middle School” award at the school renovation awards ceremony organized by the Banque des Territoires and Édurénov. This award recognizes energy-efficient renovation projects deemed exemplary and aimed at achieving at least a 40% reduction in energy consumption.
Lembeye Middle School recently reached a major milestone in its energy transition thanks to a comprehensive electrical renovation, including the installation of a rooftop photovoltaic system. This ambitious project was led by teams from Ineo, an Equans subsidiary in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, alongside fifteen other contractors mobilized for the middle school’s energy-efficient renovation.
Ineo has drawn on its full range of expertise—from development to maintenance—to support the middle school in its energy project. The solar installation, with a capacity of 58.52 kWp, covers an area of 265.75 m² on the school’s roof. It enables the local production of carbon-free electricity, with an estimated annual output of 68,928 kWh. In 2024, the middle school’s electricity consumption totaled 87,519 kWh. Thanks to the individual self-consumption system with dynamic curtailment, 36,898 kWh were used directly on-site, representing a self-consumption rate of 54% and a reduction in electricity consumption of approximately 42%. Beyond the economic benefits, the project is fully aligned with an environmental approach. The photovoltaic system prevents the emission of 23 metric tons of CO2 each year.
This project demonstrates the commitment of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department and its partners to fulfilling their pledge to support the energy transition. Thanks to the expertise of Ineo, which is active across the entire value chain, this project combines innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility. It serves as an inspiring example for public institutions seeking to reduce their carbon footprint while keeping energy costs under control.
“ Thanks to this solar power system, we are helping the Department and the middle school take concrete steps toward meeting the goals of the Tertiary Sector Decree by 2060. Generating our own electricity means reducing our dependence on the grid, adding value to public assets, and demonstrating a strong commitment to clean, local energy. ”
Key Project Figures
265.75 m²
Ineo, a division of Equans France, installed a 265.75 m² rooftop photovoltaic system
68,928 kWh
The solar power system generates 68,928 kWh and enables the middle school to consume 54% of its own electricity
30%
The installation will reduce the middle school’s electricity costs by approximately 30%, representing a savings of 6,000 euros, based on unit electricity costs in 2025
23 metric tons
The middle school’s solar power system prevents the emission of 23 metric tons of carbon per year
