Lithuanian energy efficiency project

Abstract

The combined efforts of active homeowners, private businesses, the project management unit, state authorities and international financing institutions led to successful implementation of the Energy Efficiency Housing Pilot Project in Lithuania. This project was aimed at supporting private and public initiatives to reduce energy use in residential and public buildings. This article presents major results and lessons which can be useful for future design of similar undertakings in neighboring Eastern European countries. Appropriate financing, workable legal framework, and extensive support network enabled more than 200 homeowners’ associations and owners of individual houses as well as 12 municipalities to implement various packages of energy efficiency measures in their buildings. Assistance from the project donors enhanced awareness and active participation of private businesses by increasing the capacity of local energy consulting services and establishing a network of regional advisory centers providing support for homeowners on technical, legal, financial and managerial issues. Technical monitoring of the implemented residential projects has demonstrated that comprehensive packages of energy efficiency measures can potentially save up to 50% of heat. Social monitoring of the project participants indicated the need for wide-ranging assistance to households and key stakeholders to stimulate changes in perceptions regarding energy efficiency through experiences in undertaking energy efficiency improvements.