A new lease on life was given to five energy-saving renovated educational buildings in Kranj
The University in Maribor is well-aware of the global challenges posed by climate changes, which it reaffirmed this year with the energy-saving renovation of five educational institutions, four of which were completely renovated. Renovations of public buildings in Zlato polje in Kranj started in May of 2020, after the conclusion of a public-private partnership with Petrol and a consortium of partners. This will allow the University of Maribor to save €230,000 and reduce CO2 emissions by a little more than 400 tons annually. This is the quantity absorbed by almost 20,000 trees or 45 hectares of forest per year.
Petrol continues to invest in energy efficiency projects and build development partnerships, even in current challenging times. “The efficient use of energy is one of the key goals in the energy-saving renovation of buildings. This is why we are glad that the project was successfully realized despite the epidemic and changed work conditions,” said Tilen Smolnikar, head of the energy-saving renovation product group for buildings at Petrol. “Energy-saving renovation projects and their effects benefit everyone, both participating partners and end-users. In addition to saving time and money, they can be utilized to ensure the optimal use of energy and water, as well as desired comfort in the building,” he added.
In cooperation with the consortium of companies, Petrol completed an integrated renovation of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences at the University of Maribor, the Kranj Student Dormitory, the Kranj School Centre, the Zlato polje Sports Hall, and the technological renovation of the France Prešeren general high school in Kranj. The renovations included the replacement of joinery, roof insulation, and the renovation of the entire building envelope with the installation of thermal insulation. Thermostatic valves with hydraulic balance were installed in most of the buildings, the lighting system was renovated by the installation of energy-efficient LED lights, and the electricity metering points were optimised. Energy management was implemented, enabling appropriate heating system settings and real-time energy consumption monitoring, thereby ensuring the planned energy savings. To ensure the maximum effects of an integrated energy-saving renovation, proper and efficient energy management must be ensured after all the planned measures have been implemented in the building. Only technological measures were implemented at the France Prešeren general high school. Energy-saving renovations were implemented in accordance with the energy contracting model, and the contract period is 15 years.
In addition to financial savings of more than €230,000, the environmental aspect of reducing CO2 emissions by more than 400 tons per year is also very important. The project of energy renovations has been prepared and will be implemented in line with the provisions of the Operational Programme for the Implementation of the EU Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 of the Ministry for Infrastructure, and has included cohesion funds from the 2014-2020 financial perspective.