Background information

At a time when climate change is one of the biggest challenges, and the European Green Plan sets ambitious goals, the need to reduce energy consumption and use renewable energy is of great importance. The Croatian Association of Cities (Udruga gradova u Republici Hrvatskoj) has its service called zgradonacelnik.hr, which is very active. The service in cooperation with the Association of Cities, the Regional Energy and Climate Agency of Northwest Croatia, the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency, the Agency for Legal Transfer and Real Estate Brokerage, the Croatian Association of Manufacturers of Thermal Facade Systems , the Representation of the European Commission in Croatia and other partners has prepared a unique 'how to' manual on the energy renovation of public sector buildings. There was a great need to create such a manual on the topic of energy renovation of public sector buildings because this issue in Croatia has been neglected for a long time.

Content of measure

The manual contains many information on various topics related to public sector buildings. These include buildings such as schools, kindergartens, hospitals, museums, sports halls, city administration buildings and the like. The manual deals with different areas and begins with an overview of the key directives that shape energy renovation procedures. It also explains key steps in energy renovation planning, necessary documentation and required design and technical documentation. The manual sheds light on the requirements for a quality project and projects as well as sources and possibilities of (co)financing. Finally, it also covers the most common mistakes and how to prevent them and provides examples of best practice in Croatia. This manual provides guidelines for navigating this complex area and concrete measures for the implementation of energy-efficient renovation. The joint action of many stakeholders can make an important contribution to reducing energy consumption and protecting the environment.

Use of measure

Current directives, such as the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), set clear guidelines and requirements. In particular, Directive (EU) 2023/2413 on renewable energy sources sets new obligations and challenges for local and regional self-government units. These directives and regulations provide a framework within which energy-efficient renovation of public buildings can be planned and implemented. It is without a doubt a step towards a sustainable future. This manual aims to provide the necessary knowledge and tools for the successful implementation of energy renovation projects. Making public buildings more energy efficient not only contributes to climate protection, but also creates a more sustainable and economical infrastructure for local communities.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Sector specific set of companies	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Public support service providers	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement as case not in social partner domain	No involvement as case not in social partner domain
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• No involvement
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

There has been no involvement as case not in social partner domain but social partners in Croatia always support energy efficiency and green transition.

Views and reactions

Social partners in Croatia fully support energy efficiency and green transition fully aware that Improving the energy efficiency of public buildings not only aids in climate protection but also fosters a more sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure for local communities.

Sources

• 29 July 2024: Priručnik za energetsku obnovu zgrada javnog sektora (The manual for energy renovation of public sector buildings) (www.zgradonacelnik.hr)