Through the GCF-funded LowCarbon project
Elementary school "Vuk Karadžić" in the Municipality Petrovo was successfully upgraded through comprehensive energy efficiency measures in the value of 522,000 KM. The works were implemented through the UNDP project "Scaling-Up Investment in Low-Carbon Public Buildings in BiH - LowCarbon", financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and with the support of the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency of Republika Srpska.
Resident Representative a.i. of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sylvain Merlen, said at the ceremony that was held to mark the completion of the school's work: "Ahead of the COP28, happy to celebrate a successfully energy-retrofitted school in Petrov today. We are proud to contribute to better conditions for children to learn and grow in a climate-resilient future."
Director of the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency of Republika Srpska, Srđan Todorović, said that the works on the school included the installation of new windows, the thermal insulation on the walls of the school building, as well as the roof and ceiling, while the roof and gutters on the gym and locker room were replaced. The heating and lighting systems were upgraded, which contributed to the overall improvement of the school environment.
Mayor of Petrovo, Ozren Petković, expressed gratitude for the significant improvements of working conditions in the school, acknowledging the support from UNDP and the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency of RS.
Director of the School, Igor Cvijanović, anticipates significant savings, estimating a reduction in heating costs of up to 30%, which will contribute to a more sustainable and cost-efficient future of the school.
In addition, the estimated reduction in CO2 emissions is approximately 165 tons annually, contributing to the protection of the environment.
This successful completion of the works is an example of effective cooperation between UNDP, the RS Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund and the local community, with a positive impact on the school and the entire community.