Faculty of technology in Zvornik one step away from comprehensive energy renewal

The renovation of the building as part of the LowCarbon project has begun

December 31, 2023

The once dilapidated and damp premises of the Faculty of Technology in Zvornik were renovated as part of the project "Increasing investment in public facilities with a low carbon emission rate in BiH" (Low-Carbon), financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and implemented by UNDP in BiH in cooperation with Fund for environmental protection and energy efficiency of Republika Srpska and other partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The energy-renovated building contributed to the creation of a much more pleasant atmosphere among employees and students.

The central building of the Faculty of Technology in Zvornik was in extremely poor condition for years. The roof was leaking in several locations, which affected the creation of moisture in the faculty premises and made it impossible to heat the space.

As part of the first phase of the energy efficiency project, a new façade was installed on the building, alongside the replacement of windows and the flat roof. Two more phases remain, which will be implemented in 2024 and 2025, and which will include the mechanical reconstruction of the heating system and the construction reconstruction of the rest of the faculty building and the student dormitory.

"The issue of humidity has been resolved, the working atmosphere has been improved, the rooms are dry and warm, and students are now able to attend classes unhindered even during the winter period. What remains is the renovation of the interior space of the building, for which we must provide the necessary funds", said the dean of the faculty, Dragan Vujadinović.

The heating of the building was a cause of satisfaction especially for female employees, whose health was often impacted by staying in cold rooms.

"It is much more pleasant for us to hold classes. The windows were also replaced, so that there is lighter in the offices and classrooms and it is warmer for work and for staying in the premises. Also, the external appearance of the building affects our mood, because the building is much more beautiful than before", said Professor Svetlana Pelemiš.

The employees hope to reconstruct the interior of the building, which is in a rather bad condition.

"Wet facilities and toilets are in a rather bad condition and are still cold and uncomfortable, which is especially unpleasant for the female part of the population. We hope that this problem will be recognized and solved in the near future", added Pelemiš.

Due to insufficient investment, a large number of buildings of public institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are in poor condition and urgently need renovation and modernization.

"Projects like this are very important for the region of Southeast Europe, and especially for Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is not financially able to help public institutions in the field of green transition of energy and finally circular economy," said Dean Vujadinović.

The goal of the Low-Carbon project is to remove financial barriers to increase investment in public facilities, which contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions, creates savings, creates new "green" jobs, and supports the country's economic development.

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