Instead of investing in socks, invest in the undeniable global hit – energy efficiency. And due to living in poor buildings and the consequences this has on health, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for doctors to write referrals for it.
Sustainable development is an opportunity for growth and new jobs, not an obstacle for the economy. We need to work on educating contractors, builders, changing individual awareness, and encouraging investments in energy efficiency. Everyone needs to work on this together – both the state and citizens. Moreover, every citizen must be an energy efficiency manager because we all need to be aware that we are at least a little responsible. And due to living in poor buildings and the consequences on health, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for doctors to write referrals for energy efficiency. Therefore, instead of investing in socks, invest in it.
These are just some of the key messages that were heard at the recent World Efficiency fair in Paris and the conference of the European campaign Renovate Europe Day (REDay 2015) in Brussels, where Croatian journalists were hosted by the Rockwool group, one of the leading manufacturers of insulation materials. Both events were connected by the same theme – energy efficiency in buildings. On this occasion, the new CEO of Rockwool International, Jen Birgersson, presented himself, participating in a discussion on the decarbonization of Europe with an emphasis on buildings as the largest energy consumers in Europe and the greatest potential for savings.
– We spend a lot of time in buildings, and that is our biggest motivation for them to become more energy efficient. However, the question of return on investment arises because individuals are hesitant to invest. We need to work together to change awareness and the framework so that people can invest, but also educate builders and subcontractors, who must know how to apply new materials and technologies – said the president of Rockwool, whose materials play an important role in energy efficiency as they reduce harmful emissions.
Three Times Greater Interest
At REDay 2015, interesting examples were also heard from Essen, which has turned to green energy; Lithuania; how NATO operates, where every soldier is an ‘energy manager’; about financing methods, which is the biggest barrier; opportunities in the Juncker fund; measures for achieving overall efficiency, and so on. Yes, energy efficiency is a priority for the EU and an absolute hit in recent years – this was certainly felt there. But not only in Europe but also in Croatia.
In the last two years, there has been increasing interest in Croatia, primarily driven by incentives available from the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (FZOEU). Residential buildings, family houses, schools, hospitals, hotels, and industrial facilities are being renovated, and more and more citizens and companies are acquiring electric and hybrid cars.
– The energy renovation of buildings this year has exceeded our most optimistic expectations. Compared to last year, interest in the renovation of multi-family buildings, as well as public and commercial buildings, is three times greater – emphasizes the director of FZOEU, Sven Müller.
After the government amended the Energy Renovation Program this year and allowed all citizens to apply for incentives directly from the Fund, Müller says they are literally overwhelmed with applications, and the simplification of procedures and direct applications will result in the acceptance of nearly 10,000 requests, for which around 500 million kuna in non-repayable incentives will be approved.
Overwhelmed with Applications
Why and how much it pays to invest in energy renovation is demonstrated by the example of a building in the Zagreb neighborhood of Botinec. Built in 1964, the building was dilapidated, and living conditions had deteriorated, prompting residents to decide on renovation. With an area of just under 800 m2 and 33 residential units, the building consumed 222.6 kWh/m2 per year for heating, placing it in energy class F. After renovation, energy consumption was reduced by 80 percent, and consequently, annual heating costs were also reduced, moving the building to energy class B. Müller expects that next year will surpass this year’s excellent results.
– With significant financial potential, the Fund is preparing 13 new public calls and competitions in the energy efficiency sector. It is expected that we will also be overwhelmed with applications in 2016 – announces Müller, emphasizing that energy renovation is the greatest potential for energy savings in existing buildings. The invested funds are returned through savings, he continues, with the possibility of increasing the quality of life and comfort in buildings, and the ecological benefits of reducing CO₂ emissions are not negligible.
Financing the costs of energy audits, energy certification, and building renovation is carried out, in addition to FZOEU, through banks, domestic and EU funds, agencies…
Much Work
Some EU member states even have systems with tax incentives (for example, Finland and Belgium), special programs aimed at certain social groups (Lithuania, for example), and favorable loans characterized by extended repayment periods, deferral of the start of repayment, zero or low-interest rates. More than 60 projects in the 12 years of HEP ESCO’s existence prove that investments can be financed through energy savings and that the ESCO model is highly profitable for the private sector. They implement and finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects on a market basis.
