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Ecological construction is one of those terms whose popularity is growing each and every day. It implies a type of construction during which care is taken about the materials used, their transport, their impact on human health and environment, but also used human and material resources, and finally, the recycling of products after their lifespan ends. In other words, it involves the use of materials and processes that are energy efficient and environmentally responsible throughout the lifetime of the building, and is therefore also called green building.

Despite the benefits and more common presence worldwide, the potential of this type of construction is still insufficiently used in our geography. That is why we bring you several benefits of this construction type.

Lower maintenance costs

Buildings built on ecological construction principles contain unique characteristics, which ensure the efficient use of resources such as water and energy. This can be reflected, for example, through the strategic use of daylight, as it then reduces the amount of energy used for lighting. By using these resources, users can significantly save on energy bills.

Improves the quality of the indoor environment

By the quality of the indoor environment, we mean the impact of the building’s conditions, such as lighting, air quality, or thermal conditions, on the users of the building. Similar effects are achieved by implementing energy efficiency measures, such as reducing the use of materials that can emit hazardous elements. Ultimately, facilities with a good indoor environment quality improve comfort for users of the building, while protecting their health, reducing stress, and improving the overall quality of life.

Reduction of water consumption

Efficient use of water means using this resource to contribute to water savings and ensure the supply of clean water to future generations. Ecological construction enables using alternative water sources, such as rainwater, by setting up efficient water supply installations and reducing the load on common water resources by installing a system that purifies water and enables its recycling. In this way, water waste can be significantly reduced.

Environmental benefits

One of the most important benefits that ecological construction offers are those for our climate and natural environment. Green buildings can reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts by the decreasing the usage of water, energy, or natural resources. At the same time, in many cases, it can also have a positive environmental impact by creating its own energy or increasing biodiversity.

Ecological construction certainly has numerous benefits, but it is important to note that this concept is not based on only 2-3 principles, but that its core opens up a wide range of options and possibilities. All of them indeed lead to the same goal: creating a safe and healthy home for humankind.

Energy efficiency measures will be implemented at the facilities of 28 educational institutions

In the premises of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Zenica-Doboj Canton, an Agreement on Understanding was signed today between Josip Martic, Federal Minister of Spatial Planning of BiH, Spahija Kozlic, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Zenica-Doboj Canton, and representatives of public institutions whose renovation is planned. This agreement was signed as part of the “Additional Financing for the Energy Efficiency Project for Bosnia and Herzegovina” (AF BEEP), which is implemented by the Federal Ministry of Spatial Planning, with the World Bank loan funds. The renovation of another 28 facilities in Zenica-Doboj Canton was confirmed, along with the implementation of additional measures on 2 facilities that were previously part of the project. The realization of works is planned in the period 2020-2024.

“Almost 5 million BAM have been invested in renovation of 16 public facilities of educational and health institutions in Zenica-Doboj Canton since 2016, when the implementation of the Project began. The estimated annual savings amount to over half a million BAM, while CO₂ emissions decrease by 1,045 tons per year. With the investments planned for the next four years, we want to provide a more pleasant stay for users and employees of these facilities, but also contribute to environmental protection. Previously implemented activities have proven the enormous benefits of the investments and I am very pleased with the implementation of the AF BEEP project,” said Josip Martic, Federal Minister of Spatial Planning of BiH.

By realizing the planned investments in the cities and municipalities of ZDC, such as Zenica, Tešanj, Kakanj, Maglaj, Zavidovići, Olovo and others, elementary and high school students will get the opportunity to spend their days in warmer and more energy efficient classrooms. Additionally, the contribution to the reduction of air pollution throughout the canton, caused by improper and inefficient combustion of fuels currently in use, is significant.

“Today begins the concretization of a very significant project for the implementation of energy efficiency measures, with the aim of improving the comfort in schools in our canton. Among the 28 facilities that will be renovated, there are those that are really inadequate for teaching, and whose quality we will definitely improve in this way. The value of this project is almost 11 million BAM, and we expect the works to begin in February next year,” said Spahija Kozlić, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of ZE-DO Canton.

The implementation of energy efficiency measures has been successfully completed at 55 facilities in the Federation of BiH in the past four years, into which over 25 million BAM have been invested. Annual savings are estimated at around 3 million BAM, and CO₂ emissions have been reduced by more than 4,500 tons per year.

The ozone layer is an area of the Earth’s atmosphere composed mostly of ozone, after which it was named. The main characteristic of ozone is the fact that it is the only substance in the atmosphere that has the ability to absorb harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is why it actually represents the “last line of defense” against its harmful influences. The disappearance of ozone would completely disable the process of photosynthesis, which brings along the disappearance of flora and fauna, but also the human world. The main reason for its damage comes from human activities, as a result of which gases are emitted into the stratosphere, which then decompose the ozone molecules and thus contribute to the increase of the hole of this mantle. Since this is a dangerous environmental and health problem, we bring you five simple tips whose implementation will contribute to the protection of the ozone layer.

1. Use products that are labeled “ozone friendly” or “toxic free”

With the goal to create alternatives to products that are harmful to the ozone layer, it is possible to find products labeled “ozone friendly” or “toxic free” on the market. This signifies products whose composition is not harmful to the ozone layer. A diverse range of products are available today – from inhalers and printers, through balloons and satellites for measuring atmospheric greenhouse gases, to fire extinguishers that do not damage the ozone.

2. Reduce car use

Most cars are not made to help the environment. Moreover, research has shown that motor vehicle emissions cause 72% of nitrogen oxides and 52% of reactive hydrocarbons emission in the atmosphere, and both of these significantly damage the ozone layer. At the same time, statistics show that transport is responsible for almost 30% of the total CO₂ emissions in the European Union, of which 72% comes from road transport. That is why it is important to reduce the use of cars as much as possible. Alternative options include public transport, cycling or simply walking. If you only use the car for transportation from one point to another, try to team up with others to pollute the environment less, while simultaneously achieving economic savings.

3. Dispose of old devices properly

Most cars are not made to help the environment. Moreover, research has shown that motor vehicle emissions cause 72% of nitrogen oxides and 52% of reactive hydrocarbons emission in the atmosphere, and both of these significantly damage the ozone layer. At the same time, statistics show that transport is responsible for almost 30% of the total CO₂ emissions in the European Union, of which 72% comes from road transport. That is why it is important to reduce the use of cars as much as possible. Alternative options include public transport, cycling or simply walking. If you only use the car for transportation from one point to another, try to team up with others to pollute the environment less, while simultaneously achieving economic savings.

4. Shop locally

Buying local products provides you with several benefits. In this way, primarily, you get fresh produce, but also avoid consuming food that has traveled long distances. The farther the product travels to reach you, the more nitric oxide is created, due to the substrate used to transport the product itself.

5. Use air conditioners responsibly

Responsible use primarily refers to limiting the time the device itself is being used. In that sense, it is important not to keep the air conditioners constantly on. However, at the same time, it is important to maintain the device regularly, because their malfunctions result with chlorofluorocarbons, one of the most dangerous gases, going into the atmosphere

In addition to the above mentioned, there are a number of additional ways to save the ozone layer. Our bonus advice is not to forget the importance of advocating for the protection of this mantle. Put this topic on the agenda of one of the next conversations with your friends, and discuss with them ways you can jointly contribute to saving planet Earth.

After time spent in self-isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the currently limited movement outside the country borders, many have used their time to explore natural resources throughout BiH. The pleasant summer temperatures allow you to spend as much time outside the house as possible and enjoy nature’s benefits. Whether you decide to go for a walk, a hike, or maybe to camp on one of many lakes or rivers, being in nature is beneficial in many ways. But nature requires being treated with caution and respect, while people often forget how they should behave in nature and how important it is to preserve it. Experts from the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), implemented by the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning, emphasize the benefits of staying in nature and remind you to take care of nature, in order for it to take care of you.

In their desire to explore many less accessible parts of the nature, people often don’t think about the consequences and the damage they inflict on both themselves and the nature. By such behavior, they contribute to the disappearance of flora and fauna and forest complexes. Forests are responsible for the production of the oxygen we breathe, and that is the most crucial thing many neglect when they stay in nature. By destroying forests, we contribute to the creation of the greenhouse effect, because forests are the best regulators of greenhouse gas emissions, which is a direct cause of global warming.

Another common problem, when it comes to people staying in nature, is fire. If you decide to light a fire in nature, whether to warm yourself or prepare food, you must keep several things in mind. The fireplace and fire-starting material must be located at a safe distance from any objects and surfaces that could be endangered by fire and smoke. If a stronger wind is blowing, it is mandatory to make an appropriate safety circle around the fire, but you should always be prepared to call the fire department in case of loss of control. Also, be sure to safely put out the fire after use and be careful where you throw cigarette butts. Even the smallest spark is enough to cause a huge disaster.

As you walk in nature, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and breathing the fresh air, pay attention to garbage. Always carry an empty bag for the waste with you, and throw the trash in the designated areas, not on the forest ground. If you see that someone had left some garbage behind, don’t be lazy to pick it up and throw it in the bin. Even the smallest pieces of garbage take a very long time to decompose and harm both the soil and plants, as well as animal species that live in nature. One plastic bottle takes 100 to 1000 years to decompose, chewing gum up to 5 years, apple bites 3 to 6 months and a plastic bag 450 to 1000 years. Respect the home of animals and plants just like you respect yours, and do not throw garbage where it does not belong.

By staying in nature, you reduce the use of cars and thus contribute to protecting the environment. A large amount of carbon dioxide emitted from vehicles has significant consequences for the environment, but also the health of people, animals, and plants. Entire ecosystems are endangered, because the combustion of fossil fuels releases toxic compounds such as CO2, benzene, lead particles and other solids that enter the soil and water from the air, thereby polluting them. In addition, a study conducted by the British Independent Institution for Scientific Research of Traffic Pollution found that the average family car produces 1,289 times more harmful particles while driving than exhaust gases.

Keep in mind that the more time you spend in nature, the less time you spend indoors, sitting at the TV, laptop, or staring aimlessly at your cell phone. Staying in nature contributes to your physical and mental health, strengthens immunity, improves sleep quality, calms and relieves stress, and is a great opportunity for exercise. While you spend time in nature, don’t forget to be careful about what you leave at home. Turn off all lights, turn off appliances and pull them out from the wall, but also leave heating/cooling at a moderate temperature until you return. By staying in nature, you use fewer electrical appliances at home and contribute to energy efficiency.

These are just some tips you need to keep in mind when you decide to spend time in nature, but they will help not only your life but our planet as well.

Every summer we ask ourselves whether this is the hottest one so far. Are summers getting hotter, or are we becoming more sensitive to the heat as we are getting older? Age is not the problem, however global warming is. Research shows the temperature will be one degree higher in the whole BiH by 2030, with a rapid increase during the summer period, with uneven changes in the amount of precipitation.

Many are continually trying to find a way to cool themselves and their living spaces. Air conditioners are certainly one of the most commonly chosen options, but what mistakes do people make when trying to cool down? Experts from the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), implemented by the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning, are bringing you advice on how to cool down as efficiently as possible on hot summer days/nights.

Put shades on your windows

They might not be the shades that first cross your mind, but they protect your windows and therefore living spaces. Shutters, dark curtains or blinds – they all protect the rooms from outside heat and sunlight. For rooms on the lower floors, we advise you to turn the screens upwards to prevent heat penetration. In the evening, when the temperatures are lower, open the windows, remove all the shades from them and ventilate the room. And in the morning, close the windows, put the protection over them again, and leave the rooms darkened during the day.

Reduce the use of household appliances

Try to avoid using devices that further heat your living space during the day. Use appliances such as irons, washing machines, or dishwashers at night. Avoid the biggest source of heat – your oven – and try cooking outside (if you have that option) or wait for the night and then prepare meals for the next day. If there are devices you don’t use during the day, like computers, lights, or even the TV if it’s only turned on to “produce background noise” – turn them off. All these devices additionally heat your space and unnecessarily raise the temperature in your rooms. Cheaper electricity periods during the summer are from 23:00 to 08:00, so grab an iron while the evening breeze cools you. While you sleep, let the washing machine do its job, and you enjoy a pleasantly chilled room.

Save light

While we recommend that you use fewer lights in the rooms during the day, so that the rooms do not heat up more, it’s important to note that there are better alternative options when you need light. The so-called energy-saving light bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) consume less electricity than ordinary incandescent bulbs for the production of same amount of light. At the same time, they have a longer lifespan than conventional light bulbs, by as much as 8-15 times. Mainly due to lower electricity consumption and thus less environmental contamination of fossil fuel power plants, various organizations are trying to increase the use of energy-saving light bulbs in many ways, and therefore to reduce the use of conventional light bulbs.

Less is more!

If you don’t have a fan, a hand fan, or a drink with a lot of ice in the fight against high temperatures, and you opt exclusively for air conditioning, then do it in moderation. We are never comfortable when we enter stores in which the temperature is often 15-20 degrees lower than outside. Therefore, keep in mind that the difference between the outdoor temperature and that in an air-conditioned room should not exceed 6°C. If you leave the place where you are staying, leave the air conditioner at a comfortable 25 degrees.

Think green!

Houseplants look fantastic, but they also consume hot air from the room for their natural processes. Plants can keep your house fresh because they lose water during transpiration, which cools the air around the plants, leaving it purified and clean. If you are looking for a natural and cheap way to keep your house cool, consider purchasing some of these plants, which can lower the temperature: aloe vera, ficus, fern, snake plant, or golden pothos. This way, the rooms will be nicer and more comfortable for you to stay in them. In addition to these tips, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids during the summer days, wear light and airy clothes, and shower with moderately cold water to cool down.

More than half of the world’s population today lives in urban areas, and it is estimated that by 2050 that number will increase to 6.5 billion, making up two-thirds of humanity. That is why sustainable development is one of the main topics in focus, however it cannot be achieved without a significant change in the way we build and manage urban space.

That is precisely what Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, has had at the top of the list of priorities for many years, as have many of its citizens. Their Climate Plan for 2025 focuses on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, and the city’s appropriate use of energy. This way, Copenhagen, through different projects and good practices, sets an example to the rest of the world as one of the world’s greenest cities, and a city that uses every opportunity to efficiently save energy and look for alternative versions of its supply.

Here are some of the examples that Copenhagen has long been successfully practicing. World: take notes and learn!

Garbage dump or sports facility?

CopenHill, also known as Amager Bake/Slope is located in the center of Copenhagen and represents the cleanest garbage dump in the world. This combined heat and power waste-to-energy plant, which is also a sports facility, annually converts almost half a million tons of garbage into pure energy, which supplies hundreds of thousands of houses in the area. It was opened in 2017, and alongside the nearby incinerator in Amager, it plays a significant role in Copenhagen’s ambitions to become a city without exhaust fumes by 2025. There is also a sports facility inside the facility, with a walking path on the roof of the 90 meters high building, a climbing wall on the side of the building, and a 400 meters long ski slope.

A driving utopia

Copenhagen is a unique city, characterized by its canals, cycling culture, a strong economy, and happy locals, as it is known as one of the happiest cities in the world. Most buses in this city are switching to electric power, while more and more traffic areas are dedicated to cycling. Furthermore, this is a city ruled by bicycles, so it is not uncommon to see parliament members coming to work every day using this particular means of transportation.

Cycling has been a part of life in Copenhagen for decades. After global oil prices increased in the 1970s, the craze for bicycles jumped in this once gloomy industrial city. So decades later, it only grew, becoming a recognizable part of this city in Denmark. If you prefer to explore the canals of Copenhagen, the boats have electric, solar motors and are made of wood from sustainable sources. Even if you accidentally fall into the water, all the canals are clean for swimming.

Sustainable city – one meal at a time 

Eating and drinking in Copenhagen are also some of the ways that locals cast vote for the environment. The city is Europe’s largest consumer of organically-grown food – with an emphasis on local whereever possible. Downtown, there is an entirely organic supermarket and several outlets of mostly-organic fruit and vegetable market chains (their name translates as “Your Backyard”).

This organic ethic has spread to many restaurants in Copenhagen, so you can get an organic sandwich, organic beer or wine any time of the day, and enjoy the fresh air in one of the terraces of the restaurants along Copenhagen’s canals. This practice does not only exist in markets and restaurants: more than 900 public kitchens today serve almost 90 percent of organic food, and in some places, the ratio of organic food is even higher. This especially applies to kindergartens, which serve children portions of healthy and freshly prepared organic food every day.

Eco-hotels

Finding a sustainable hotel in Copenhagen is actually easier than finding an unsustainable one, given that over 70% of all city hotel rooms have an official eco-certificate. Most hotels feature recycled furniture and carbon-neutral heating and cooling systems. The handling of waste products from the kitchen is another substantial investment in technology and the environment. Food waste in many hotels is emptied into large tanks, later transferred to bio-gas plants. The remains from this process are used to fertilize farmland.

The wind

The wind is an inexhaustible resource with the potential to reduce carbon emissions significantly, and Denmark is far ahead with wind use. Wind farms are a renewable and secure source of energy that prevents the creation of greenhouse gases and other environmental severe problems, such as toxic air pollution, acid rain and arsenic, lead, cadmium, and uranium in air, soil, and water. Denmark gets almost half of its electricity consumption from wind energy.

Whether it is taking advantage of natural weather conditions, growing organic food, building solar panels on houses, or buildings, we can learn a lot from Copenhagen. Regardless of whether we have a climate plan or not, our goal should be to preserve the Earth and focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.

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Moving to a new living space is often related to significant life events, such as starting new studies, a unique business opportunity, or some other similar moments in life. Whatever the occasion, relocations are almost always followed by a detailed budget and cost planning. If you are in a similar situation, this is the ideal time to look for ways to improve your new home’s energy efficiency and thus ensure long-term savings in your bills. So drop those boxes filled with memories for a brief moment, and before unpacking them, consider ways this new start can help you be more both environmentally conscious and economical.

Do an energy audit of the new home

The first step to improving the energy efficiency of your new home is to understand its current condition. That is why it is crucial to do an energy audit, which will show you how your new home uses energy in all segments (windows, walls, attic, etc.). With this data, you can then determine the best ways to reduce energy consumption and costs.

Install a smart thermostat

Today’s technology allows us to quickly automate our homes, as it enables control over basically anything, from the refrigerator and oven, to heating and lighting. One of the most commonly used smart devices in homes is the smart thermostat, which allows us to control the temperature inside the room. The smart thermostat gives you the chance to edit the plan for heating settings in the apartment and the constant control of its temperature. In this way, unnecessary heating and cooling of the room is avoided, automatically reducing your energy costs.

Switch to LED lighting

Did you know that energy-saving light bulbs consume up to six times less energy? Also, they last up to ten times longer, so before moving in, check which light bulbs are set in your new living space. If this is not already the case, be sure to install LED bulbs and thus reduce your energy consumption.

Buy energy-efficient appliances

If you have started planning your new home from the very beginning and buying new household appliances, make sure that they are energy-efficient, i.e., they have an A ++ label. At the same time, if you have some old devices that you have been using for many years now, this is an ideal opportunity to replace them with new ones. Replacing an old toaster may seem like a waste of money now, but it can help you make significant savings in the long run.

Install the blinds

We always use maximum sunlight to illuminate the space, but constant exposure to light through glass windows can increase room temperature. By installing blinds, both inside and outside, you can contribute to reducing the temperature of your living space, which will directly reduce the use of cooling devices, and reduce energy bills.

Upon completion of the implementation of energy efficiency measures in buildings that are renovated as part of the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), each facility is given a corresponding energy certificate. But what exactly is an energy certificate, and who needs it?

An energy certificate is a document that reflects the energy performance of a building and the calculated energy consumption, including all gains and losses while the facility is being used in certain climatic conditions. In other words, it is a document that clearly presents the energy properties of a building, such as heating, carpentry, wall quality, and climate. This document contains prescribed specific content and appearance and is issued by an authorized person.

The purpose of this certificate is to provide information to the owners and users of the building on the energy characteristics of the building, i.e., its energy consumption, as well as possible proposals for its improvement. The set of actions and procedures carried out to issue this certificate is called energy certification.

Energy certification is legally regulated in Bosnia and Herzegovina and states that all new facilities defined by this law, as well as existing facilities that are being sold or rented, are required to have an energy certificate. Energy certificates can be issued only by personnel authorized by the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning.

Depending on the energy consumption of the building itself, energy certificates are classified in one of the eight energy classes, which are labeled by A +, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, where A+ represents the most energy efficient, and G the least energy efficient class.

The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide has been increasing ever since tracing records of the level of this gas in the atmosphere started in 1958, and Charles Keeling’s research was among the first ones to prove it. Since then, scientists have been monitoring its levels and warning of the danger the Planet is facing. But today, in numerous places around the world, scientists analyzing the data notice something else: a decrease in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, as a result of the global economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the curve showing the degree of intensity of this gas in the atmosphere has never shown a sudden change before, the importance of the reflection of the first economic crisis in this area is evident.

Around 3 billion people live under restrictions at the moment, due to pandemic. Airlines have grounded their planes, cars are used less, and factories are reducing or completely shutting down their production. All this is, in a way, a global environmental experiment whose execution would otherwise be impossible. Some of its short-term results are already noticeable; clear water is flowing through the canals of Venice, the sound of birds singing in the center of London can be heard as traffic noise is reduced significantly. At the same time, a drastic reduction in air pollution has made the blue sky above Delhi visible again. Experts say the Planet has taken a break, but also warn that it is too early to celebrate, as what awaits us after the lockdown is crucial.

Short-term forecasts are somewhat easier to make – establishing working from home principle in companies, reducing travel rates, closing restaurants and bars, and canceling sporting events all contributed to a reduced energy consumption rate. On the other hand, governments are in the process of creating a recovery package that will shape societies and economies in the near and further future. It is for this reason that these plans need to be aligned with the medium- and long-term priorities and objectives defined in international agreements. These agreements can serve as a compass for staying on track to ensure that the economy is aligned with climate goals, as well.

At the same time, recovery packages can also accelerate the transition to sustainable economies. By making the energy transition a part of the focus of the recovery process, Governments can take the additional step towards a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future, and be an example of applying effective action to all individuals.