ATHENS, GREECE – [Photos by THI]
A meaningful energy upgrade intervention at the facilities of SOS Children’s Villages Greece, supported by funding from The Hellenic Initiative (THI) amounting to $60,000, was recently completed, with a dual objective: reducing energy costs and improving the environmental footprint of care infrastructures, according to a press release issued by THI.
The interventions were implemented across three different facilities, substantially enhancing their sustainability and energy autonomy, while at the same time creating a safer and more environmentally responsible living environment for children and staff.
Upgrade of the photovoltaic system in Vari: At the SOS Children’s Village in Vari, the renovation and modernization of the existing photovoltaic park was completed, including the replacement of outdated components and an overall system upgrade. This intervention significantly enhances the facility’s energy performance, steadily reduces operating costs, and strengthens the sustainability of the infrastructure.
Transition to cleaner energy in Plagiari, Thessaloniki: In Plagiari, the replacement and upgrade of energy supply systems were carried out, enabling the operation of heat pumps and the gradual transition away from oil. This transition contributes substantially to emissions reduction, improved energy security, and long-term resource savings.
New photovoltaic park in Alexandroupoli: In Alexandroupoli, a new photovoltaic park was developed, for the first time covering the facility’s energy needs through renewable energy sources. This installation modernizes the care units, supports services provided to the local community, and serves as a model of sustainable energy transition in the region.
“Sustainability is not only an environmental choice – it is a deeply social investment. Through our support of SOS Children’s Villages, we seek to strengthen care structures that offer safety and opportunity to children, while simultaneously reducing their energy footprint. It is an example of how smart infrastructure can create lasting social impact”, mentioned Andreas C. Kramvis, Member of the Board of Directors of The Hellenic Initiative.
George Protopapas, General Director of SOS Children’s Villages Greece, stated: “For SOS Children’s Villages, caring for children is directly linked to creating a safe, modern, and sustainable environment. Our collaboration with The Hellenic Initiative allows us to reduce energy costs and reinvest valuable resources where they matter most: in children, families, and our communities.”
As THI notes, these actions form part of the overall sustainability strategy of SOS Children’s Villages, where environmental responsibility is directly linked to the social mission. The reduction of energy costs allows for the reinvestment of the savings into supporting children, families, and local communities, while THI further emphasizes that the long-term collaboration between the two organizations clearly demonstrates that investments in sustainable infrastructure can generate measurable environmental benefits, financial savings, and meaningful social impact.
