In terms of decentralization and expanding the powers of local government, municipalities have more significant role in the energy management. Energy planning and rational use of energy resources, production and supply of energy is becoming a major component of sustainable development policy of each municipality.
Realizing the need to take measures to counter climate change and the following the European and national policy, the commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and the signing of the "Covenant of Mayors", Burgas municipality leads a purposeful policy of introducing energy efficiency measures in public buildings and promote the utilization of renewable energy technologies for heating in public buildings. Although in recent years the municipality has invested significant resources in implementing energy efficiency measures in public buildings - full or partial renovation of buildings, installing solar hot water, replacement of heat source, including gasification of buildings and installation of heat pumps - the full potential of savings in retrofitted buildings are not yet exploited. One of the identified reasons for this is lack of consumer awareness of the buildings on the possibilities for implementing practical measures to save energy and lack of capacity of managers of public buildings for effective energy management and quality management of energy flows. The problem arises from the fact that in most cases the measurement of energy flows only at the entrance of the building and not be monitored, what are the main consumers of energy, where the resulting high demand and where there is room for energy savings.
This project will demonstrate an innovative model for upgrading of conventional energy efficiency measures in public buildings. In the framework of the project will be developed and implemented systems for energy monitoring of 3 pilot public buildings in Burgas, will be developed a training program for energy managers and will be provided a number of campaigns to raise consumer awareness of the buildings.
The monitoring energy systems (EMS) are "intelligent" method of measuring energy consumption, already applied in many EU countries. The system allows to control energy flows in buildings, so with minimal resources can be provide adequate thermal comfort and provide norms for lighting the building. European practice of EMC already installed in buildings showed very good results: it is possible to realize savings of up to 30% depending on the type and purpose of the building.
This project proposal is entirely consistent with the priorities of the Municipality of Burgas and will contribute to achieving the energy goals of the municipality under the "Strategy for Energy Sustainable Development 2010 - 2020" - to reduce energy consumption in buildings and public awareness and capacity heads of public institutions for effective energy management. The project will support the establishment of Burgas as a sustainable energy community. As a partner, Burgas has designated pilot public buildings (Kindergarten "Brezichka", Kindergarten 14 "Zdravets" and Kindergarten 12 "Radost"), in which the municipality will invest own resources to introduce energy efficiency measures in the project duration. And upgrading of the conventional energy efficiency measures in buildings will be implemented with project funds.
Target groups who will directly benefit from the project are: managerial and technical staff of public buildings, visitors to public buildings, municipal officials, designers and experts. Indirect beneficiaries of the project are the citizens of Burgas, energy agencies, NGOs, local businesses, etc.