As part of the public education campaign related to the topics of energy efficiency and performance in our country, EcoAlbania organized on July 9, 2018 the meeting “Policies for energy efficiency and performance in Albania” with the youth of the Youth Forum of the Democratic Party (FRPD). . As part of a series of meetings, this was the second meeting with the youth of the political party forums, where representatives of the organizations part of the Environmental Vigilance Network and the environmental policy expert shared with the attendees specific information on energy issues.
The FRPD youth group was first presented with the project “Together – One eye for the environment”, the study conducted by the Environmental Vigilance Network on energy efficiency and performance in buildings, as well as some of the most important findings for the city of Tirana . The energy produced by the sun and the possibilities of installing photovoltaic panels in different areas of Albania were some of the topics discussed by these young people. The social approach of energy production and use was another concern of theirs. During the discussion, they threw out some ideas regarding the improvement of social assistance schemes in order to ease the burden of the electricity bill for needy families.
Meanwhile, Mr. Erjon Tase guided the young people to a discussion regarding the perspective of sustainable development, energy efficiency, and the conditions that Albania must meet to join the European family. He dwelt on existing legislation on energy efficiency and performance in buildings, explaining the importance of speeding up the adoption of by-laws. “The law on energy efficiency provides that the payment to be equipped with the energy efficiency certificate must be made by the builder. Isn’t that an extra expense for the builder?” – was one of the questions of the attendees addressed to the expert. “This certificate is a security for the consumer and a determinant of the price of the apartment. Therefore, payment for equipment with certificates is in favor of the builder.” – said Mr. Tase.
The 2017 electoral program of the Democratic Party was brought to the attention of FRPD youth by discussing with them the possibility of improving it in the next elections, as well as the inclusion of a greater number of issues dealing with energy and the environment. “None of the political parties had a genuine program dedicated to energy and environmental issues in the 2017 election.” – explained Mr. Tase.
At the end of their discussion, the young people of FRPD brought some recommendations that can be presented to the government at the central level for the improvement of energy policies. “I see as an immediate need for Albania the reduction of state bureaucracies for investments in solar and wind energy, as well as the increase of incentives for investors in these fields.” – said one of the young people present. They suggested the establishment of a group which can submit these requests to the relevant parliamentary committees.
This activity was organized by EcoAlbania within the project “Together – an eye for the environment” and is financially supported by the Swedish Embassy through the SENIOR-II program implemented by the Regional Center for the Environment – REC Albania.
