Energy efficiency in buildings brought together representatives from the Tirana Municipality, Tirana city building managers and experts in the field of energy.
Participants were introduced with some key findings of the report “Assessment of energy performance in buildings through the concept of energy poverty” for the city of Tirana. Emphasis was put on results gathered during the study conducted in families of the city, including families in need. Percentage of the electricity bill in relation to monthly income and use of electricity in the studied sample raised interest among participants.
Participants during the presentations ©Marigo Mahmuti/EcoAlbania
Mr. Erjon Tase, Executive Director of the Academy of Political Studies, introduced the audience with the two laws on energy efficiency and performance in buildings, as well as the national objectives that Albania has pledged to complete by 2030. He explained some of the concrete measures which building managers can undertake to increase performance and energy savings in their buildings. “Thermal insulation of the building, central heating, efficient household appliances, lighting of common spaces with LED bulbs are some measures that can be taken both for increased energy efficiency and saving on electricity bill,” he explained .
Mrs. Klodiana Bici, responsible of the sector at the “General Directorate of Co-ownership Facilities, Administration of Administrative Units and Civil Emergencies” at the Municipality of Tirana, presented the 50:50 initiative for buildings in joint ownership in the city of Tirana, the “Community Fund” program, as well as possibilities to benefit from this initiative. The 50:50 initiative of the Municipality of Tirana foresees to cover 50% of the total cost necessary for thermal insulation of the buildings in the city. Discussions were focused on application procedures for this fund, extension options beyond 2018, as well as the cost coverage limit.
“Opening of calls from the Municipality of Tirana is done at the beginning of each month, on the dates 1-20. The application must be submitted by the building managers at the respective administrative units. Among the conditions that need to be met is a document of agreement between the co-owners, whereby the 75% of co-owners should be guaranteed at minimum. “- Mrs. Bici explained.
At the end of the meeting, Mrs. Bici admited that the law on facilities in co-ownership management, being a 2009 law, still has problems. “We have reviewed and created a draft for its improvement, which will be followed by public hearings, and will then be submitted for approval to the relevant institutions.”
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This activity was organized by EcoAlbania within the framework of the “Together – an eye for the environment” project and is financially supported from the Swedish Embassy on behalf of the SENiOR-II program implemented by Regional Environmental Centre – REC Albania.
