Category: news

A roundtable on “Sustainable Energy Efficiency Financing Models in FBiH” was held in Sarajevo, organized by the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project and the Ministry of Physical Planning of the FBiH.

 

From 2016, the World Bank project “Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project” implemented in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, within which 29 public facilities have been renovated so far, while the plan for this year is new 15 facilities. The total investment in the works is 13 million BAM, while the overall estimate of savings for these facilities amounts to 1.6 million BAM per year. During the three years of the project, many benefits through energy savings, raising comfort and quality of sojourn, reducing CO2 emissions, and new jobs creation, have also been achieved, for more than 220,000 users, which speaks more than enough about the importance of energy efficiency for BiH society.

 

In addition to the successful implementation of the project through the renovation of public facilities, the goal of the project is to represent the benefits of energy efficiency, but also to support the development of sustainable models for financing energy efficiency projects. In this connection, a roundtable on topic was held in Sarajevo “Sustainable Energy Efficiency Financing Models in FBiH“, organized by the “Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project” and the Ministry of Physical Planning of the FBiH.

 

 

 

 

For a while, local and international consultants, are working on the preparation of a study on “Sustainable Model of Financing EE in the FBiH“. The round table which was attended by the most important partners, the relevant cantonal and federal ministries, Environmental Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, consultants, and private sector representatives, were able to present knowledge and potential financing models, was an opportunity to present the findings and potential models of financing.

 

Proposal and assessment of opportunities based on international experiences, with the aim of determining the applicability and benefits of potential sustainable models of EE projects in the public sector in FBiH, presented Dilip Limaye, an international consultant in charge of this activity in FBiH, while Jas Singh, the leading energy efficiency specialist presented international experiences, and pointed out that states in the region increasingly recognize the importance of public EE projects where energy cost savings are used to repay the investment.

 

 

 

 

“The implementation of energy efficiency measures saves the money of end users that these funds can later utilize for other purposes. With activities on the renovation of public facilities in FBiH, it is very important that through this project we implement the mechanism of a sustainable financing system, from savings generated by the effects of energy efficiency” – said Mustafa Čopelj, “Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project” Team Leader for the FBiH, and added that potential for savings in the public sector i.e. the budget in Cantons and FBiH are about 40 million annually, while the total investment potential is 400 – 500 million BAM.

 

The “Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project“ implementation unit will present these models to the Project Steering Board and then to the Government of the Federation, after which a sustainable model will be selected which the consultants will develop to the details necessary for implementation.

 

Planet Earth becomes small because the number of inhabitants is increasing every day. It would not be a problem that natural resources are not limited, and people are still unaware of the nature power and everything that offers but therefore threatens.

 

We are used to take from nature more than we need, and often instead of thanking, we are abusing her fortunes, polluting water, air and soil. Of course, not all people are the same so even the awareness of individuals about the importance of nature conservation is not the same.

 

The average Earth’s surface temperature has increased by 0.9 ° C for the last hundred years and the rate of temperature increase has almost doubled in the last 50 years. Also, due to ice melting, the sea level has increased by 17 cm. On the other hand, the average level of CO2 over the past five years, is higher than it has ever been recorded in the last 420 thousand years.

 

 

Developing environmental consciousness is the easiest in concrete examples. Did you know that the standard storage temperature of frozen food is -18 degrees, and if you set the temperature by 1 degree below, you can increase energy consumption by up to 5 percent? Note that! This is just one little trick how you can be energy efficient.

 

“Every day, people are increasingly faced with the consequences of long-term efforts to enrich the environment and adapt to their needs. A man changes the composition of the atmosphere daily by combusting fossil fuels, deforestation, agricultural activities and other activities. However, it is still possible to prevent the consequences to ensure sustainable development” – warned experts from the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project.

 

The planet we lived on does not have unlimited resources, and it we need it in every aspect of our lives. Sustainable energy efficiency is an opportunity to direct all energy users on the application of energy-efficient measures to create positive habits when it comes to rational use of energy. Every contribution is important and all together lead towards the same goal – clean planet Earth for our children.

 

“Dear passengers to your own future, sit comfortably at the present, follow our instructions and find out where you are going to land in 2030., and what is the price of your trip.”

 

With these words of the imaginary air campaign Air Future cabin crew, the last year’s journey to an energy-efficient future began. One year later, with the same flight Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project and Via Media, flew to RSVP festival from where they returned with two Attend awards in the categories “Best Non Profit/ Socially Beneficial Event” and “Best B2B / B2C / Interiors Event.”

 

 

 

The campaign, whose creative concept is signed by the Via Media agency, is responder to the increasing air pollution, with which the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and beyond, have faced more and more in recent years. The main causes of this problem can be found in the irrational use of energy.

 

Although primarily focused on the reconstruction of public facilities in the FBiH, one of the important tasks of the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project is to educate the public about the necessity of energy-efficient behavior. The Air Future campaign aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of energy efficiency, as well as direct benefits of smart energy use presenting the image of the future that each individual expects, if that energy is scattered.

 

 

For the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project this is a confirmation of successful work and an indicator that it is the right path to implementing project activities. Cooperation with the agency Via Media, a great idea and a great campaign, resulted with these awards, which are certainly additional incentives for further work, in order to encourage all citizens to behave responsibly.

 

As the population grows, the current energy consumption in the world is growing. Although the traditional way of generating energy from non-renewable sources still has a major role, energy production from renewable sources is more frequent nowdays. The goal is to, using smart resources makes life healthier and better in every way, for every human.

 

Renewable energy sources imply the generation of energy from sources that are naturally renewed. The energy of the sun, water, wind, high tide and low tide, as well as biomass can save the planet. However, the sun, light, and wind energy are the most used. Solar energy is obtained directly from sunlight, through solar cells or by heating the air. On the other hand, the wind is used to power the windmill, while the water is used to run them.

 

One of the best examples of countries that fully exploits the potential of renewable energy sources is Denmark. Except the fact, that after 25 years of implementing energy-efficient measures, energy consumption in this Scandinavian country fell by about 7 percent this country plans to completely eliminate CO2 in the production of electricity and heat by the middle of the 21st century. The goal by 2020 is to get 70% of electricity in an ecologically sound way.

 

 

This is just one example that the ability to produce energy from renewable sources is not distant future. However, although nearly 50 percent of Bash’s territory is covered by forests, and if we look at the other natural resources of our country it is clear that there is a great energy potential. Based on the above, the question is asked: Why is alternative energy sources do not use more if they do not pollute the environment?

 

“The transition of BiH to an energy-efficient country will not succeed without fundamental change in our society. We must keep up with European and world trends who apply new ways of thoughts and actions,” – experts from the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) said.

What is necessary is that people are beginning to change their habits, but also awareness of smarter use of energy, in order to prevent a complete ecological catastrophe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the implementation of energy efficiency measures in 2018, five new facilities were selected in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, within the framework of the World Bank project, Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project – BEEP.

It is an investment of around 1.23 million BAM with VAT, for which the Government of the ZDC took credit lines from the Government of the Federation of B&H.

Beginning of the works on the buildings of the PI Secondary School Gymnasium “Muhsin Rizvic”, Secondary School “Stjepan Radic”, PI “Second Primary School” Zavidovici, PI “High School” Visoko and PI Primary School “Vladimir Nazor”, Zenica is planned for the end of the school 2017. /2018. year, while the realization of the project will lead implementation unit established within the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning.

 

“I am happy that the number of reconstructed facilities in our canton grows year after year, as well as the number of users who will have better sojourn and working conditions in these facilities. Until now, as a result of successful cooperation, a total of 11 public buildings have been renovated ten schools and one hospital. With five additional objects, the total investment for works is almost 5 million BAM, which confirms the commitment of the relevant Ministries and Government of ZDK for the area of energy efficiency” – said Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Mensur Sinanovic.

 

 

Activities that are implemented within the project, will ensure a reduction in CO2 emissions, which means switching to cleaner fuels, reduction of air pollution during the winter period caused by improper and inefficient combustion of fuel, increase the level of comfort in the objects and raising awareness of energy efficiency. Besides pleasant sojourn, energy savings are expected to be around 35% and eventually contribution to achieving significant savings and environmental protection. This is the third year of successful implementation of the BEEP project (Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project) within which were restored a total of 33 public facilities in the Federation of B&H.

Energy efficient elementary and high schools are ready for the start of the second semester and classes in warmer classrooms.

Winter is in Bosnia and Herzegovina for several times showed its teeth. One of the example is the last year when we were all surprised at extremely low temperatures, which is why beginning of the second half was delayed, is in several schools. This year the temperature on the thermostat did not show double-digit numbers with the minus sign. However, World Bank biggest project, Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), make sure that nothing is left to chance.

 

Gymnasium Rizah Odžečkić, Zavidovići

Elementary school “15 april” Kakanj

Upon returning to school, after winter break, 13 000 students from 20 schools of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, were welcomed by the new look of the school, as well as arranged and warmer classrooms for learning and studying. The more favorable and quality of living conditions were provided by the World Bank project Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), which is being implemented for the second year to the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina within the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning.

 

Elementary school “21 mart”, Doboj Jug

Elementary school “Gazi Ferhad-beg”, Jablanica

After implemented measures of energy efficiency, installation of thermal insulation on facades, reconstruction of roofs, installation of thermostatic valves on radiators, replacing the old woodwork and boilers, replacing the old woodwork and boilers, and parents no longer have to worry about staying children in cold classrooms.

In the past two years in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 20 school buildings have been renewed, 15 primaries and 5 secondary schools in several cantons in the Federation B&H, with an investment of almost 9 million BAM. Energy renewal of the mentioned school facilities will provide a very effective measure of conservation and lower energy consumption while improving living conditions and better economic performance. The savings will be bigger and the classrooms will be warmer, which will contribute to effective return of invested investments” – the representatives of the BEEP project added.

 

Elementary school “Isak Samokovlija”, Sarajevo

Elementary school “Ivana fra Frane Jukića”, Usora

Implementation of energy efficient measures, apart from contributing to the reduction of electricity and heating bills, as well as CO2 emissions, will also affect better education in the municipalities and cities where these measures are implemented.

 

See the video about the positive reactions of students and employees and the new look of the restored schools. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZzR2IpkGHs

On the first day of February 2018, within the framework of the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), works on the new four school buildings in the Herzegovina – Neretva Canton have begun. In the reconstruction of the facility will be invested around 2.19 million BAM with VAT, and the planned works at the facilities of “Silvija Strahimir Kranjcevic” from Mostar, “Cardinal Stepinac” from Neum, “Dreznica” from Donja Dreznica Elementary schools and “Jablanica” Secondary School will last for four months.

On this occasion, there was a meeting with the directors of these schools, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning and representatives of the implementation unit FMPP, and Nevenko Herceg the Prime Minister of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, as well as with the contractors and supervisors of the works.

 

Representatives of Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project expressed their satisfaction with the positive growth of the renovated schools number in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, as well as the continuation of successful cooperation with the Government of this Canton. All with one goal, which is to prove the benefits of energy efficiency, and to improve comfort in schools and savings on electricity and heating bills.

 

Directors of school involved in the largest energy efficiency project in B&H, took the opportunity and thanked the representatives of the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project, on the commitment to rebuild these school facilities, who, as they pointed out, are in a very bad state.

The implementation works will improve the conditions of school attendance and the work of these employees.

Although the winter has officially arrived, in the last days we are witnessing unusual warm weather for this time of year. However, we know very well how winter in Bosnia and Herzegovina tend to be cold. And when winter shows its teeth, the only thing that keeps us happy is the fact that we will come to our warm home and warm under a blanket with a hot beverage. Usually, we do not save on such things and moments. On the contrary, they are not a rare situation when when we turn up the heat even up to the maximum temperature.

 

However, did you know that you can decide for yourself will you continue to allocate large sums of money for high accounts, or you will save money with a smart investment and smart energy use and afford yourself more comfortable conditions for sojourn and living.

 

One of the ways of smart energy use is adequate thermal insulation and replacement of old windows. Thermal insulation represents the protective system of the object that saves energy for heating in winter, but it also contributes to not overheating your home in the summer. Though investment in high quality facade and good thermal insulation, requires a certain financial cost in the long run will pay off. It is very important to know that over 20 percent of energy goes irreversibly, however by adequate isolation, the invested money will return in a few years, and energy consumption will be reduced between 40 and 60 percent.

 

 

 

In addition to walls, windows and doors are a major source of heat loss from your home. Replace the window frames because they easily pass the heat. The best frames on the windows are those aluminum, as well as an aluminum-wood combination. The best quality glasses are Low-E Glass, whose interstice is covered with a metal layer through which sunlight passes while simultaneously retaining heat in the interior.

 

Experts from the BEEP project – Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project warn that nowadays when climatic changes are evident, living in the house or building where is too hot in summer and too cold in winter is simply not quality: “Insulation of external walls, roofs, windows and doors protects your home from harmful external influences, such as moisture or freezing, and and extends its lifespan” – they added.

 

Adequate heat insulation also helps in solving the problems of fungi and molds, which are caused by inadequate temperatures.

 

 Through entertainment, the game and the answering to questions, to test knowledge of energy saving and environmental conservation, is the goal of educational online prize game “BEEPSTER quiz”, which began on March 03 and will last until January 15, 2018.

 

“Due to excessive deforestation, use of fossil fuels and lack of concern for energy consumption, your planet Earth is in danger” – superhero BEEPster warned schoolchildren, and invited them to participate in the quiz of knowledge that he prepared for them as they rested from books and learning, to learn little tricks which when applied can save the Earth and return her green glow. The best ones, of course, will be rewarded with knowledge and great prizes.

 

At www.beepomanija.beep.ba., students will be able to explore all the ways and the advantages of energy efficient use of energy in the premises where they live on a daily basis.

 

The online game “BEEPSTER quiz” is realized within the largest energy efficiency project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project – BEEP, and all interested persons aged 10 to 18 from the Federation of B&H can participate.

 

The winner name, BEEPster, will be announced on January 16, 2018 on the Facebook page of the BEEP project https://www.facebook.com/BeepBiH/.

Implementation of the works will improve the conditions for students, as well as the quality employees work of these institutions.

 

Within the framework of the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), energy efficiency measures will be implemented at four additional school facilities in Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. On that occasion, an agreement was signed between Josip Martic, the Federal Minister of Physical Planning and representatives of the company that will execute the works, Promark doo Mostar.

 

 

In the reconstruction of the elementary schools facilities “Silvija Strahimira Kranjcevica”, Mostar, “Kardinala Stepinca”, Neum, “Dreznica”, Donja Dreznica, and high school “Jablanica”, Jablanica will be invested around 2.19 million KM with VAT, and the planned works will be realized in accordance with world standards in the field of energy efficiency.

 

 

 

By implementing these works, within the framework of the World Bank BEEP project, will be realized energy efficiency measures on a total of 37 facilities across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and more than 80,000 users will have benefit from this project, among which are mostly students, patients and employees of these institutions, said Federal Minister of Physical Planning, Josip Martic, during contract signing: “In 2016, a total of seven public sector facilities have been renovated in this canton, among which are three elementary and three high schools, one health center, as well as an additional eighth building of importance to the Federation of B&H. I am pleased that the positive effects of past years are also transferred to 2018. In this way, we continue to cooperate successfully with the Government of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and the goal is to demonstrate the energy efficiency benefits, which among other things, implies the improvement of comfort in the facilities itself but also savings on energy bills” – he added.

 

 

Works that include measures such as window replacement, installation of thermo facade improving the heating system on these facilities will start on 01.02.2018. and will last four months. After implementation of the project significant savings on energy costs as well as CO2 emissions are expected.