Author: admin

In addition to traditional spring cleaning, which includes getting rid of all the unnecessities in or lives, this year it’s time to clean up habits that bring us unnecessary costs. That’s why we bring you 5 tips from the energy efficiency field which will help you lower costs next winter.

 

1. Think about changing your energy source

When it comes to changing your energy source, experts advise using renewable energy sources such as pellet instead of traditional heating methods. Although the biggest obstacle in switching to pellet is currently the price of the furnaces that burn them, which range from 2,500 BAM upwards, in the long run, such an investment represents significant savings for the household. At the same time, it drastically contributes to reducing air pollution and reducing CO₂ emissions.

 

2. New or additional insulation of the roof or attic

Experts from the field of energy efficiency point out that good insulation is of utmost importance. Quality insulation works both ways and can help keep a place warm during winter or cold during summer. There are many materials that can be used to insulate the roof or attic depending on your abilities and preferences. The most popular options are stone or glass wool and reflective film or clay slate that absorbs moisture well and is resistant to frost.

 

3. Replace old windows

In addition to the roof and attic, another reason for heat loss in your home can be old and inefficient carpentry. Old window frames are often a main cause for heat loss, so their replacement is very important for maintaining the inside of a room warm. Nowadays, window frames are usually made of plastic, metal or wood. Since each of the materials has its advantages and disadvantages, today’s window production technologies try to minimize the negative properties of the material and extract the best from the positive ones. Thus, when fabricating a frame design for windows, these materials are often combined in order to achieve the most effective results. At the same time, when choosing a window, of course, beware of the quality of the glass.

 

4. Install a programmed thermostat

More than 50% of a household’s energy is used for heating and cooling. The simplest way to reduce the cost of heating is to install a programming thermostat together with the heating system, which will shut the system down when it reaches the temperature you’ve set. At the same time, by reducing the room temperature by only 1 degree, you can save about 5% on your heating bill annually.

 

 

5. Sealing windows

In addition to energy efficiency, sealing windows is also important for sound insulation and to keep outside particles, outside! Improving window sealings can be done as standard sealings with adhesive tapes and tires or sealing with silicone and aluminum strips. This way, heat loss can be reduced by up to 50%.

The World Bank communications team visited two primary schools in Mostar, which have been part of the Energy Efficiency Project for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BEEP) for the past two years. The aim of the visit was to prepare a story about the results achieved at a national

level, with a focus on user experience.

 

That is why the World Bank Representatives talked to students, teachers and management of Elementary School ‘Strahimir Kranjcević’ and Elementary School ‘Ivan Gundulić’ in Mostar, as well as representatives of the public and private sectors.

 

The principal of ‘Strahimira Kranjcevića’, Daria Stojčić, who has been a part of this school’s collective for almost 30 years, explained the drastic differences in the comfort achieved by implementing energy efficient measures. “For a long time there were no investments in this school, until last year when energy efficiency measures were implemented. Replacing old carpentry, roofs, lighting fixtures, energy and boilers for heating, and adding thermal insulation, resulted in drastic comfort improvements. Working in the classrooms is now incomparably more pleasant to both workers and students of the school.”

 

Marija Juričić, the principal of Elementary School ‘Ivana Gundulića’ in Mostar, recalled the utmost importance of the implementation of energy efficiency measures for this school, given the fact that it is the largest in the area. “Work is still in progress, but we already feel the positive effects of the new façade and windows. Most importantly, construction work is not disturbing classes at all.” added Juričić.

 

Jasmina Hadžić, communications officer at the World Bank, expressed her satisfaction with the achieved results, which were also noticed by all users of the facility.

 

Since the signing of the Paris Accord in 2015, where international governments reached an agreement with regards to combating climate change, national leaders are trying to improve their country’s ecological policies. On this journey, some of them have achieved remarkable results, bringing them to the top of the EPI (Environmental Performance Index) list of sustainable development countries. The results of this list are based on 24 indicators, such as air quality, water, biodiversity, amongst others and they focus on two main themes: environmental health and vitality of the ecosystem. On top of the list for 2018, namely the first 16 places, are occupied solely by Europe countries. They are:

 

1.Switzerland

 

Because of its rich natural resources, Switzerland tops the list for all nature lovers. This touristic advantage is precisely one of the reasons why both the government and the local population are concerned with the protection and sustainability of the environment.

 

Credit for the high ranking of this country is hidden behind the implementation of successful measures in many fields, most of which are air and water pollution, and climate and energy. Most of the energy used in Switzerland is obtained from hydroelectric power plants, and the remaining smaller part, from nuclear power plants. This greatly reduces CO2 emissions when producing energy itself. On the other hand, despite the fact that emissions of harmful air particles were almost the same as in neighboring European Union countries, the air quality in this country today is significantly higher. The reason for this is the introduction of measures controlling emissions from cars and industrial zones.

 

2.France

 

France’s intensive measures implemented to address food waste issues, promote healthy lifestyles and adopt eco-farming techniques, have helped bring the country to the top of the list. In this way, France has shown that improvements in agricultural production do not necessarily bring harm to ecological and social conditions. Of course, the shift from industrialization over the past decades has led to an improved state of the environment. Thus 30% of the energy currently used in France comes from renewable resources.

 

 

The public’s attention also attracted a proposal by the French government’s new regulation, which would prohibit merchants and clothing brands from throwing or burning items that were not sold. Instead, they would demand that unsold textiles and clothing be donated to recycling organizations or charities for reuse.

 

3. Denmark

 

The impeccable environmental state in Denmark is the result of the use of wind power and the culture of using bicycles as a primary means of transport. Denmarks capital alone, Copenhagen, has about 400 km of cycling trails, while almost 40% of the city’s population travels by bicycle.

 

One of the government’s goals is to solely use renewable energy to meet all of the country’s needs, and they hope to achieve this by 2050. Although it sounds ambitious, it is important to note that Denmark is the world leader in the development of new technologies in the field of wind power. Thus, in this country, almost 40% of the energy comes from wind turbines, and by 2020 the country’s government plans to increase this rate to 50%, which would significantly contribute to the set goals for 2050.

 

So called “green industries”in Denmark provide new jobs to a large number of people, resulting in high profits every year.

 

4. Malta

 

The concept of sustainable development in Malta, as a small country with unlimited natural resources, a growing economy and high population density, makes up the center of the economic, social and ecological development of this country.

 

In 2017, Malta, by switching from oil to natural gas, changed its primary energy source. Thus, today, as much as 70% of the energy used by this country is produced using renewable sources. In the future, this country is planning to continue to support decarbonisation by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, mainly through the more extensive use of solar energy (photovoltaic and solar water heaters), heat pumps, biofuels, and recycling of waste.

 

5. Sweden 

 

Most of the energy used in Sweden comes from renewable resources, such as heat and solar energy. At the same time, the government of this country is working on developing technologies that will enable the use of renewable energy sources to meet all their energy needs. Significant effects on the reduction of CO2 emissions in Sweden is due to so-called “passive houses” – residences with wooden frames and very thick walls, with the help of which they retain heat generated as a product of human activity, such as cooking, using devices or moving within the walls of the object. Furthermore, these facilities also have the possibility of recycling wastewater.

 

The Swedish city of Växjö carries the title of “the most green European city” and is an excellent place for eco-tourism. Växjö became the first city to set the goal to eliminate the use of fossil fuels by 2030, of course, with the mandatory promotion of cycling as an alternative means of transport.

 

One of the topics that has recently been receiving more attention, both in the world and in our country, is energy efficiency. The reason for this is the high rate of irrational use of energy. That is why we are witnessing more and more domestic and international projects and campaigns, which claim that investment in this sector is highly profitable. Taking into account that these often use money from the public budget, it is important to see how much Bosnia and Herzegovina actually benefits from these investments.

 

“Investing in the energy efficiency sector brings a lot of benefits to our country. In addition to reducing CO₂ emissions and contributing to environmental protection, as well as increasing comfort for users of public facilities, there are also significant economic benefits. With an investment of around 18 million KM, we achieved savings of over 2 million KM per year. On the other hand, if we keep in mind that all the work done on the facilities are performed by local companies, we understand that these investments also bring the opportunity for the local community”, emphasized Jasmina Katica, Head of the Department for Energy Efficiency of the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning, which implements the Energy Efficiency Project for BiH (BEEP).

 

A local company from Mostar, which is the contractor for several facilities in the FBiH, within the BEEP project, emphasized working on such a project is, as they say, firstly a challenge for companies. For smaller objects, on average, it takes 18-20 workers, while for larger, this number can increase to 27-30. The teams consist of experts from various fields, such as electrical installations, thermal insulation, lightning protection installations, air conditioning, heating and cooling, installation of holes and installation of roofs, and many others. In addition to their business opportunities, they emphasize that such projects bring great experience to local companies and references to new challenges in the future.

 

“In addition to the obvious benefits of economic nature, such as the potential for growth of local companies and the creation of new jobs, it is important to note that there are other, often neglected, benefits. Beeing a part of a project this big is a huge thing. Working according to international standards and procedures brings responsibility. But if you have a reliable and valuable team, who wants to learn, everything is successfully completed,” said the workers of the same company.

 

In the end, we see that such projects, although the products of the public sector, have an impact on the market, as well. Therefore, we can only assume how much would private sector’s investments contribute. In any case, it is evident that these investments are not an unnecessary cost, but a highly profitable investment for both our country and the Planet.

 

The #10yearschallenge, a challenge in which users compare how they changed in the last ten years by posting photos from 10 years ago and today, has been taking over social media in the last few days. Tens of thousands of people couldn’t resist sharing their old pictures and seeing their progress, including many celebrities. However, focusing on individuals, their wrinkles and hair color, we forgot to look at the changes that happened to our surroundings.

 

We can all agree that our planet has experienced some big changes in the past 10 years. The view of the huge icebergs in the Arctic are now just memories, the names of all the hurricanes that have hit us in the past few years cannot be remembered, no matter how friendly they may sound, and the weeping of the Pacific Ocean cannot be heard due to the absurdly high amount of plastic in it. These are just some of the phenomenas associated with global warming, which has been more evident in recent years.

 

But, have you ever thought of everything that is waiting for us if we do not take immediate action?

 

Research has shown that in the future, if global warming were to continue at this rate, we will face even higher risks. They predict that we will encounter droughts, stronger and more frequent hurricanes, water shortages, increasing sea levels, climate health risks and many other consequences. Also, they point out that some species may become extinct and that a large number of insects, plants and vertebrates could lose more than half of their predisposed habitats.

 

At the same time, The World Bank research shows that climate change could be the cause of extreme poverty for more than 100 million people by 2030. The reason for this is the fact that residents of low coastal areas and poorer countries are not able to adapt to changes in extreme temperatures and water sources.

 

One of the key steps in reducing global warming is by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, says Jasmina Katica, Head of the Department for Energy Efficiency Federal Ministry of Physical Planning.

 

“About 22 billion tons of CO₂ are released in the atmosphere daily. That is why changes in energy production and use, the largest producer of greenhouse gases, are important. In addition to the fact that we, as individuals, need to use energy more rationally, we also need systematic solutions. A growing number of countries in the world have exactly this systematic approach. BiH also recognized the importance of this topic, and started implementing the Energy Efficiency Project for BiH (BEEP), in 2016.” added Katica.

 

Proof of the importance of such initiatives is the fact that BiH spends five times more energy than European Union countries. If we start immediately, we will surely feel the results well before the next #10yearchallenge.

 

Today, more and more people are paying extra attention to the topic of energy efficiency, both globally and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to evident improvements in the conditions of buildings and the reduction of CO₂ emissions, the implementation of energy efficiency measures also ensures economic savings and reduces energy consumption. For these reasons, a growing number of countries are implementing these measures, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.

 

The Energy Efficiency Project for BiH (BEEP), which is implemented by the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning, is proof that investments in energy efficiency have multiple benefits. In addition to economic, environmental, and social benefits for public institutions and the environment, investments have a major impact on the country’s economy as well.

 

As part of the BEEP project, a total of 37 public buildings have been renovated in the past two years, into which over 18 million KM was invested. In addition to achieved budget savings, it is important to emphasize that works on all objects were performed by domestic companies, which created opportunities for the local population. These new business opportunities bring growth to existing local firms, as well as the potential for creating new jobs.

 

For the execution of works on a smaller building, on average, 18-20 workers are needed, while for larger objects this number can increase to 27-30. These teams consist of experts from various fields, such as electrical installation, thermal insulation, lightning installation, air conditioning, heating and cooling, installation of holes and roofs, and many others.

 

On the other hand, the local community has the opportunity to educate its workforce. For example, in the first seven months of last year, 57 employees of public institutions that were a part of the BEEP project, successfully completed their education for energy management. They will go on to work in energy efficient institutions throughout the Federation.

 

Therefore, we come to the conclusion that such projects are useful in many ways, and that investing in energy efficiency is extremely profitable, both globally and in BiH.

Savings, comfort and preservation of the environment are the first associations for energy efficiency in the world of adults. But do we ever wonder what the younger generations think on the mention of this topic, or do they ever come across with it at all?

 

In order to raise awareness of energy-efficient behavior, despite cold December days, the super hero Beepster arrived on our planet. By connecting learning and technology to one useful entity, he conveys his knowledge of the importance of this topic to the youngest. Following the famous saying “You have to strike while the iron is hot”, Beepster visited two schools in Sarajevo: the Fifth Elementary School in Ilidza and the Izet Sabic Elementary School in Vogosca.

 

As in the everyday life of new generations technology takes a special place, Beepster used innovative educational tools. Thus, the super hero introduced Beepomat – an interactive educational device to help demonstrate the schoolchildren how energy-efficient behavior can save the world.

 

“The workshop was very interesting. We learned a lot of things. For example, we learned how to save more energy and not pollute our city and our Planet. We also learned that we need to turn off devices we do not need because it will make our environment cleaner and better. I will listen to Beepster’s advices, because by doing so I will help the Earth to live longer.” said Dzelila, a 5^th grade student at Izet Sabic.

 

In addition to Beepomat, the super hero also used other interesting devices. The importance of shutting down electronic devices after use was demonstrated using a special camera, so the pupils could see how a device looks like while being used, and thus compare them with the ones turned off.

 

This approach has played a key role in raising the attention of students and creating a pleasant atmosphere that eventually resulted with interesting questions. Beepster’s visit is a result of the activities of the Energy Efficiency Project for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BEEP), implemented by the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning, and demonstrated the importance of educating the youngest about the future of our Planet.

 

Last month, students between the age of 10 and 18 from FBiH had the opportunity to prove their knowledge in energy efficiency by participating in the Beepomania quiz.

 

The fastest in answering the 5 questions correctly, out of a total of 228 participants, was Jusuf Bukva, a student from Kulin Ban Elementary School in Visoko, who won main prize the iPod Touch 32 GB.

 

The consolation prize, the Beepster JBL speakers, was awarded to the 10 best-ranked participants. They are:

 

1. Safet Zumić (High School for Metal Occupations, Sarajevo)
2. Sara Drino Coutinho (Second Gymnasium, Sarajevo)
3. Mensur Bahtanović (High School, Sarajevo)
4. Fatiha Bihorac (Avdo Smailović Elementary school, Sarajevo)
5. Zubejra Mrkalić (Hazim Šabanović Mixed Secondary School, Porječani)
6. Dino Imamović (Harmani 1, Bihać)
7. Merjem Hurić (Kladanj Elementary School, Kladanj)
8. Iman Affaneh (Fifth Gymnasium, Sarajevo)
9. Edvin Sirovica (Novi šeher Elementary School, Maglaj)
10. Enis Divović (Hilmi ef. Šarić Elementary School, Tarčin)

Congratulations to the lucky winners and best of luck to everyone in next years quiz!

 

This year, like every other, was full of many important events. Through the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP), a number of subprojects have been implemented, making public buildings more comfortable for thousands of students, teachers, doctors, patients and other public institution users.

 

We still have a lot of work to do in the 2019, but we are extremely happy that the topic of energy efficiency has become better known. We also hope that awareness about the importance of this topic will be even greater, not only in the public sector, but amongst individuals as well.

 

That is why we bring you some New Year’s wishes that prove that caring for the environment, means caring for ourselves.

 

Therefore, let the New Year be…

 

1. The year you live your life to the fullest!

In addition to breathing freely in all of lifes situations, do so in all environments as well. Life without smog and greenhouse gases is much more pleasant and healthy. Therefore, reduce CO₂ emissions in your home by implementing some simple tips, such as using LED lightbulbs, regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems, installation of suitable insulation, etc.

 

2. A year in which you do not spend your most important resources!

Although it is often treated as if it has no end, we are all aware that human energy, as well as the Earth’s, is actually limited and irreversible. It is up to us to reduce excessive and unnecessary consumption that has a detrimental effect on the environment. Although this is usually considered quite impossible, the implementation of simple measures, such as turning off devices that aren’t being used, including those on stand-by mode, turning off the faucet when washing hands or teeth, etc.

 

3. The year in which we learn to apply our knowledge each and every single day!

Learning makes one feel safer, more confident, and better. Knowledge is indeed power and the best proof of successful learning is the application of the acquired theory in practice. Applying what is learned about energy-efficient behavior will not only have a positive impact on the environment it will also set a positive example and act as a source of knowledge for others.

 

4. The year in which you finally achieve goals outlined long time ago.

Walking or riding a bike more often, being physically active, consuming healthy, organic food… these are all goals that we wish to achieve year in and year out. “Goals can be achieved only through plans that we firmly believe in and work hard on. There is no other way to success.” said Pablo Picasso. Therefore, be honest with yourself: Which days can you walk, either to the workplace or to the store? How can you motivate yourself to recycle? Make a plan and stick to it!

 

5. A year spent enjoying with loved ones in beautiful nature!

Even today, the effects of human activity on the environment are evident. It is precisely because of this that the question arises whether future generations will have nature in which they can enjoy, as we do today. The answer will definitely be negative if current environmental pollution continues.

 

Therefore, let us be friends with nature and direct our habits in a positive direction. So why not start from the upcoming New Year’s Eve party?

 

In addition to the magical atmosphere, New Year’s Eve also means closing a chapter in our lives while beginning a new one. This is usually the time when we make all those traditional resolutions that mark new beginnings and motivate us, at least partially, to improve our lifestyle.

 

This year, instead of the standard albeit never realized goals, such as weight loss and traveling the world, we advise you to make resolutions that will be useful for both you and the environment.

 

We aren’t talking about clichés, such as world peace or any other overly ambitious goal, but about simple advices whose implementation can help achieve drastic changes to the environment. In order to avoid tips you have surley heard before like “avoid using cars” or “close the faucet while brushing your teeth,” we talked to Jasmina Katica, Head of the Energy Efficiency Department in Federal Ministry of Physical Planning, which, taking into account the importance of this topic, implements the Bosnia Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP).

 

1. Bring your own shopping bag

Plastic bags are one of the largest polluters of the environment. At the same time they are responsible for the deaths of more than a million birds, hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, whales and other animals. Their main ingredient is petroleum polyethylene and in order to produce them, huge amounts of oil – a non-renewable resource that increases levels of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere – is used every year. At the same time, the process of producing plastic bags requires economic resources, which means we are paying for the production of products that are ultimately going to be throw away.

 

2. Boil only as much water as you really need

Even though this might initially sound a bit ridiculous, it is actually a very important tip. Considering the fact that the amount of water you boil determines the speed of the boiling process itself, more water means more energy consumption. That is why it is important to heat only as much water as you need in order to prevent wasteful energy consumption.

 

 

3. Avoid fast fashion

The fashion industry has climbed to the very top of the world’s largest polluters list and is also blacklisted right behind giant oil corporations. Brands of ‘fast and cheap fashion’ have changed the fashion industry but also the planet itself. Critics of this industry emphasis its negative impact on the environment, water pollution, the use of toxic chemicals and the increase in the level of textile waste.

 

Therefore, although it may be difficult, we must resist buying yet another sweater or that ‘little black dress’ that we really do not need.

 

4. Avoid chemical based cosmetics

Did you know that everything you put on your skin gets into your bloodstream? This should be the biggest motivation for the use of natural cosmetic products. At the same time, the chemicals from these products are also causing water pollution and effecting the flora and fauna. The reason behind this are the microparticles found in its content, which are usually made of polyethylene or other petrochemical plastics, such as polystyrene and polypropylene, whose production also have a devastating effect on the environment.

 

5. Use your water bottle

Do you remember the beautiful water bottle you once bought and stored somewhere after a couple of days? It’s time to use it again!

 

Just like plastic bags, the production of plastic bottles requires a large amount of non-renewable resources – oil. Usually this is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), because the material is strong and light. However, its decomposition takes up to 500 years.

 

 

The Earth is in a more critical situation every day, and its future, no matter how cliché it may sound, is in our hands. So let’s make sure that the upcoming new year is happy for Earth as well.