Enhancing Energy Efficiency in public buildings through the Regional Operational Program 2014-2020
About this good practice
In the communist era, Romania's building stock was constructed to low standards, and renovation needs were neglected. This resulted in poor energy performance, presenting an opportunity for significant energy savings. The 2014-2020 Regional Operational Program (ROP) aimed to address this by implementing energy efficiency enhancements and setting targets to reduce CO2 emissions.
Key to these goals were energy audits and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which identified improvement areas and quantified potential impacts. Monitoring indicators included annual GHG reduction adjusted for heated floor area, reduction of annual primary energy consumption, savings of primary energy for heating from non-renewable sources, reduction in final energy consumption from non-renewable sources, and the number of buildings benefiting from investments.
Improvements were calculated by comparing energy consumption values before and after implementing energy-saving measures, using data from energy audits, EPCs, and project documentation. Beneficiaries submitted progress reports every three months, with payments contingent on achieving outputs and potential financial corrections for non-compliance.
The main stakeholders included the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration as the Management Authority, and the South-West Oltenia Regional Development Agency as the Intermediate Body. Public administration authorities and institutions in the region were also key participants.
Resources needed
The used budget was 62,98 mil. Eur, funded through 3 different calls for proposal whithin the ROP 2014-2020. 60 projects were financed in total, with a grant between 100.000 eur and 25.000.000 eur. The financing ceiling amount was 98% of the total eligible value of the project.
Evidence of success
Comparing the ex-ante and the ex-post situation for the buildings on which thermic rehabilitation has been finished, an average improvement of 40% was achieved regarding the structure of the building compared to the use of energy. In terms of efficiency, improving the energy efficiency of buildings has reached an average cost of € 11,956 / ton CO2 equivalent. As a result, between 2012 and 2023, the final energy consumption in public buildings was reduced from 0.19 Mtoe to 0.12 Mtoe.
Potential for learning or transfer
This Good Practice (GP) offers valuable lessons due to its simplified approach and national coverage. The standardized calculation method used by all Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in Romania facilitated a common monitoring approach, aiding both beneficiaries and authorities. By comparing pre- and post-implementation data, specific energy efficiency (EE) solutions were identified to maximize outputs.
Public authorities can adopt this GP's standardized approach to simplify monitoring and ensure consistent data across regions. Regular reporting and conditional payments improve transparency and accountability. This practice can influence public policy by showcasing the effectiveness of streamlined procedures and standardized methodologies, benefiting other funding programs focused on energy performance.
Further information
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