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.