Serbia’s Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović announced on Thursday (4 April) a flagship project aiming to improve energy efficiency in central government buildings, marked by the beginning of works at the Institute for the Improvement of Education and Upbringing in Belgrade.
“We have secured 40 million euros for the energy refurbishment of 26 out of 56 central government buildings, including the Palace of Serbia, and these works are expected to be completed by 2027, which will give our city a new look. Energy savings are something we all benefit from, as citizens who have enjoyed discounts on electricity bills or used subsidies to replace doors and windows, install boilers and solar panels,” said Minister Đedović Handanović.
The project envisages the energy refurbishment of 26 central government buildings, in collaboration with the Development Bank of the Council of Europe (CEB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“After the refurbishment, the Institute, with all the implemented measures, will save around 10,000 euros annually on bills, and energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions will be halved. Already in the fall, we will have an energetically rejuvenated Institute building,” Serbia’s Mining and Energy Minister noted.
“Energy efficiency is key to reducing emissions caused by buildings. It is an important element in the fight against climate change. That is why the EU has so far provided around 150 million euros in grants for the renovation of public buildings in Serbia. Our focus is on buildings in the education, health, and social sectors. Climate change is real, it affects all of us, and Southeast Europe is no exception. Therefore, projects like these have significance beyond just building renovation; they are an integral part of our climate and energy transition action,” said Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia.