Primary School “Vareš Majdan” has joined an increasing number of facilities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) that have received a new look thanks to the implementation of energy efficiency measures.
More favourable conditions for students and employees alike were made possible by the World Bank project “Energy Efficiency in BiH” – (BEEP), which is being implemented within the Federal Ministry of Physical Planning. A total of 572,365.00 KM was invested in the school’s renovation, while the estimated savings after the realization of the project is estimated to be at 26,444.00 KM annually.
Implementation of energy efficiency measures included thermal insulation of walls, roof restorations, replacement of LED lighting, as well as the renovation of the school’s gymnasium.
The activities implemented within the project will ensure a reduction in CO2 emissions resulting to the transition to cleaner energy products, reduction of air pollution in the winter months caused by improper and inefficient combustion of fuels, increasing the comfort level of the school’s facilities, and increasing awareness of energy efficiency.
The entire renovation was done by domestic companies, creating new job opportunities while nurturing existing ones. It showed the positive impact such projects can have on communities much like this one, said Josip Martić, Minister of Physical Planning in FBiH, adding; “Within this project, the Government of the Federation of BiH recognized the importance of investing in energy efficiency, with the Ministry alone investing more than 17 million KM. In the past two and a half years, a total of 29 public facilities throughout the Federation of BiH have been renovated, and numerous benefits have been achieved, such as energy savings, and increase in the comfort and quality of living for more than 220,000 people. So far, as a result of successful cooperation with the Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDK), a total of 11 public buildings, 10 schools and one hospital have been renovated, with a total investment of 3.7 million KM. We plan to renovate an additional five facilities in this canton in 2018, which we are intensively working on.”
Many attended the ceremony that took place upon completion of the energy efficiency project. Along with Minister Martić, attendees included Mustafa Čopelj, project leader for the FBiH, Miralem Galijašević, the Prime Minister of the ZDK, Mensur Sinanović, Minister of Education, Culture and Sports in the ZDK, Zdravko Marošević, Mayor of the Vareš Municipality, and Nehrudin Muftić, Director of “Vareš Majdan” Primary School.
Employees and students expressed their satisfaction and gratitude as they will now teach and acquire new knowledge in more enjoyable classrooms and conditions.