PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY THROUGH ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ZRNOVCI

The goal is to improve the environment in the Municipality of Zrnovci by reducing the energy costs and CO2 emissions from the public buildings.

The main project activities were: installation of a solar collection system for heating water used for central heating in the primary school Sinisha Stoilov, Zrnovci. The school has an area of 3667 м3, a three floor school building and additional one floor building with two classrooms; installation of a metering and regulation equipment and equipment for automatic control of the school heating system (thermal regulation sensors, pipe insulation, energy efficient radiators, thermal regulation vents); organization of trainings for volunteers for assembling and installing hot water solar systems; organization of consultation meetings/lobbying with the local government for increasing the energy efficiency measures and increasing the use of renewable sources of energy; publishing and distributing written educational materials (Collection of national regulations on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in the Republic of Macedonia); media promotion of the project activities through the media.

· A functional hot water solar system was installed (25м2), a 1500 litre boiler and a metering and regulation equipment for automated control of the heating system. The hot water solar collector was connected with the existing central heating system of the Primary School Sinisha Stoilov, Zrnovci.

· Two maintenance workers from the school were trained in handling and managing the solar system installed; the general public was also informed about the installation of solar panels and 15 volunteers were trained.

· 30 representatives of various institutions and the business sector were informed about the possibilities and the benefits of using renewable energy sources.

· A brochure was prepared titled “Collection of national regulations on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in the Republic of Macedonia“.

· Draft initiatives and recommendations were prepared in order to lobby with the institutions and the local government for implementing EE measures and using renewable energy sources.

· The capacity and the experience of JAVOR members for implementing EE and RES projects was increased and the cooperation with the local government and the other state institutions was improved, as they are the beneficiaries, partners and co-funders of projects.