Mirsad Kustura, director of elementary school “Hasim Spahic”
By implementing energy efficiency measures, we achieve significant financial savings
“Hasim Spahic” Primary School from Ilijas is one of the educational institutions on whose facility energy efficiency measures were implemented as a part of the BEEP project (B&H Energy Efficiency Project). This school also won the pilot project for comparative measurement of energy savings, where they proved to be the biggest energy savers and ultimately deserved their win. Through a brief interview, the director of the school, Mr. Mirsad Kustura talks about the importance of the implemented works, as well as the reactions of the employees, students and parents after these works.
What are the main problems that the primary school “Hasim Spahic” Ilijas faced in terms of energy consumption?
Mirsad Kustura: Before the implementation of the energy efficiency project we had a very big energy loss problem, because the school had old windows that did not close properly and did not have any thermal insulation.
What works were implemented in your school as a part of the Beep Project (B&H Energy Efficiency Project) and what is the importance of the implemented measures for students and employees?
Mirsad Kustura: As a part of the Beep project (B&H Energy Efficiency Project) a complete change was made on the external facade windows of our school. In addition, a thermal facade was installed on the external walls and attic, the substation was partially refurbished, as was the interior lighting. By implementing these measures, the working conditions of our students and teachers have been improved.
In addition to improving the working conditions for students and teachers, did the implementation of energy efficiency measures contribute to cost reduction and financial savings?
Mirsad Kustura: Implementation of the energy efficiency project significantly reduced heating and electricity costs, which led to financial savings – so the project became self-sustaining.
How satisfied are you with the work of the project implementation units? What are the reactions of students and parents – are they satisfied with the work done and do they feel concrete improvements?
Mirsad Kustura: The implementation unit did a very professional job, to the great satisfaction of students and parents, who are very satisfied with the work, and are fully aware of the improvements.
The “Hasim Spahic” Elementary School is also the winner of the comparative energy measurement pilot project implemented as a part of the Beep project. Your school had the greatest energy savings of all involved in this pilot project. How do you motivate teachers and students to take be more energy efficient?
Mirsad Kustura: At school we conducted a brief educational program for students and employees about the importance of conservation and rational use of energy sources.
How much are children learning about energy efficiency in class? Do you think their curriculum provides enough information? What kind of education can help to raise their awareness and to make their behavior more energy efficient?
Mirsad Kustura: As a part of the school curriculum, children are barely, almost in no way, educated on the topic of energy efficiency. We think their curriculum does not provide enough information. It is necessary to introduce this type of education in the curriculum and program through ecology, so students’ awareness of this issue will continue to grow and their behavior become more energy efficient.
