„GReENERGY“ - use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency in construction
About this good practice
The common territorial challenges in the Croatian-Serbian cross-border region are increased energy consumption by public buildings due to their insufficient energy efficiency, insufficient usage of renewable energy and lack of knowledge related to energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy sources (RES) among authorities and general public. Project „GReENERGY/Greening the cities – Development and promotion of energy efficiency and sustainable urban environment in the cities of Croatia-Serbia cross-border region“solves common challenges by developing and implementing green roofs and walls as well as solar panels on selected public buildings in Osijek and Novi Sad (one building in each city), complemented by promotional and educational activities related to EE and OIE. The idea of this project originates from new EU strategies and NBS solutions. Specifically, in the city of Osijek, a 93 kW photovoltaic power plant and a green roof on an area of 160 square m² installed on a building within the sports and recreational complex of the High School Playground, which was built in 1964. The beneficiaries of this practice are local and regional public authorities, sector agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, pupils and students, the general public of the two cities - about 400,000 people.
Resources needed
Total value of “GreEnergy” is 1.156.266,15 EUR, of which Osijek County budget is 372.675,34 EUR.The beneficiaries are: Novi Sad: University of Faculty of Sciences, City Administration for Property and Property-Rights Affairs. Osijek: Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, City of Osijek.
Evidence of success
During 1st phase of project,building of High School Playground in Osijek was completely renovated.New photovoltaic power plants from the continuation of project increase the energy efficiency of public buildings,but also contribute to the sustainability of electricity supply,because currently in the city of Osijek,almost a quarter of necessary electricity is produced from renewable sources.Thus,through 2 phases of project,the power obtained from renewable energy sources was increased by300 kW
Potential for learning or transfer
Through the implementation of this project/practice, green technology was introduced in the construction, renovation and furnishing of buildings in the cross-border area in two cities, Osijek and Novi Sad, and in this way the development and increase of energy efficiency in urban areas was encouraged. During the project, the impact on the microclimate during construction of green roofs on buildings was monitored by meteorological stations, as well as other devices inside the building that monitored thermal comfort and air quality. GReENERGY project was rated the best in the application phase, but also during implementation, therefore the second phase of the project was approved with a budget of €328,000, with the support of the European Union and 85 percent co-financing from the Interreg IPA program Croatia-Serbia. This project is significant for Osijek because for the first time something has been done that respects the new EU guidelines regarding green technology and green transition