ARIS project approaches to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings

The energy sector of the Kyrgyz Republic is a key element of economic growth and social wellbeing. ARIS actively promotes the implementation of the energy saving program, contributing to the improvement of energy efficiency of public buildings and infrastructure. The introduction of modern energy solutions and energy saving technologies helps to improve the quality of life of citizens, which is especially important in conditions of cold climate and long heating season.

ARIS continues to support the initiatives of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic on energy saving and energy efficiency policy planning, which is reflected in the National Development Strategy for 2018-2040 of the Kyrgyz Republic.

ARIS makes a significant contribution to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal 7: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Energy is critical to solving almost every major challenge facing humanity today, and the way we produce and consume energy is a great opportunity to put the world on a more sustainable development pathway. Whether it's jobs, security, climate change, food production, or income growth, access to an energy source for all is crucial. Sustainable energy is essential for developing economies, protecting ecosystems and achieving justice. This also applies to sectors such as energy saving and energy efficiency in different areas, especially in public buildings such as schools, kindergartens, hospitals, clinics, etc.      

Objective:

Improving the efficiency and quality of heat supply in the Kyrgyz Republic through the implementation of energy saving and energy efficiency measures.

Tasks:

1. Improvement of comfort level in retrofitted public buildings.
2. Improved sustainability and functionality of public buildings.
3. Reduction of current energy costs through the introduction of energy efficiency technologies

Approaches:

ARIS implements projects with a focus on building the capacity of the local community and addressing local social and economic issues, taking into account climate benefits and mitigating negative environmental impacts. Through ARIS projects such as the Heat Supply Improvement Project, the Third Rural Investment Project, and the CASA-1000 Community Support Project, ARIS seeks to improve the condition of social infrastructure and increase the energy efficiency of public buildings, ensuring that they meet modern requirements, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies with the support of international experts.

Assessment of the state of energy efficiency in Kyrgyzstan:

High heat losses in buildings exacerbate inefficient and inadequate heat supply. The Kyrgyz Republic is among the 15 most energy-intensive developing countries in the world. The buildings sector is a major energy consumer (especially in terms of electricity consumption) that continues to grow rapidly - partly due to the low energy efficiency of the total building stock in the country. There has been an upward trend in electricity consumption in recent years, which has been partly controlled by the application of energy consumption limits for public buildings.

According to the World Bank, the infrastructure facilities in the electricity sector are rather outdated, as almost half of the generating capacity has reached the end of its useful life. The deteriorated condition of transmission and distribution networks results in high technical losses of electricity. In addition to the annual deterioration of infrastructure in the energy sector, the issue of the net cost of electricity is also becoming relevant for taking appropriate actions. One of the steps is the energy efficiency policy for public buildings related to energy saving.

Most public buildings such as schools, kindergartens and hospitals were built 25-60 years ago, during the Soviet period, without any energy efficiency considerations. In addition, due to insufficient maintenance resources, public buildings are characterized by high heat losses due to the dilapidated state of the external envelope and heating system, and are in poor condition.

The results of the 2015 urban heating assessment confirmed that the heating needs of public buildings in rural and urban areas remain unsatisfactory each year by an average of 20-30 % due to high heat losses combined with insufficient and unreliable heat and electricity supply. As a result, the heating situation in many public buildings is not at an adequate level, which adversely affects the comfort of students, toddlers and staff, as well as patients while receiving state and municipal services.

Result:

As a result of ARIS activities, 29 subprojects on energy efficiency were implemented in the republic, which significantly improved the quality of energy saving in public buildings and reduced energy losses.

Benefits from the introduction of energy efficient technologies in public buildings:

1. Reducing heat losses and improving the efficiency of heat supply:
   • Reduction of heat losses in schools, kindergartens and hospitals, which leads to an improvement in the overall level of comfort and conditions in these institutions.
2. Reduced energy costs for public buildings:
3. Reduced heating and energy costs allow savings to be directed to other needs, including education and health programs.
4. Children, students, patients and staff in hospitals and schools enjoy a more comfortable environment, which has a positive impact on their health and performance.
5. Improvement of living conditions and comfort for citizens:

ARIS builds the capacity of local communities in energy saving and energy efficiency of public buildings, resulting in energy savings and reduced operating costs. Educational programs and trainings are organized for local residents and specialists, teaching them the principles of energy saving and efficient use of energy resources. Participation of local communities in the projects creates a sense of responsibility and interest in the sustainable use of energy resources. ARIS projects contribute to the development of culture, knowledge and skills of energy saving and energy efficiency of public buildings at the level of ayil aimaks.