The amount of energy that modern society consumes is increasing every day. Improving the energy efficiency of apartment buildings (ICDs) is one of the important challenges of the 21st century. The maximum effect of energy savings can be achieved through the joint efforts of the state, management companies and residents of houses.
What is energy efficiency and energy saving
Current trends in energy conservation encourage innovation in energy conservation. According to Federal Law no. 261, signed on 23 November 2009, energy efficiency is the ratio of the benefits gained from the use of resources and the costs necessary to obtain them.
Energy saving is a set of measures whose purpose is the efficiency and economy of the use of energy resources. The main indicators of energy efficiency of apartment buildings must meet the requirements of applicable laws in this area.
Law on Energy Efficiency for Residential Buildings
Actions to improve the energy efficiency of buildings are regulated by the following regulations:
- Order of the Ministry of Economic Development no. 61 of 17 February 2010 approving the approximate sequence of actions aimed at improving energy efficiency
- Order of the Ministry of Construction no. 98 of 15 February 2017 approving the list of actions to promote energy savings and more efficient use of resources in apartment buildings
These orders define a list of actions to improve energy efficiency in a residential building. Order no. 98 states the principle of assigning energy efficiency classes to apartment buildings. Determines the rationality of spending the funds needed to maintain the facility. Taken together, both documents make it possible to determine the list of energy saving measures, their distribution according to the amount of costs and the type of resources.
Energy saving measures according to the order of the Ministry of Construction no. 98
TheEnergy Saving Program recommended by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Utilities can be divided according to the types of resources used.
The result of the activities carried out in the first place should give the greatest effect. When all the priority requirements for energy efficiency are met in the house, the second phase of activities is performed. Their implementation is also very important. The order of activities is determined for technical and financial reasons.
It is proposed to implement the following measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
Heating and hot water system
First of all, the following activities are performed in the heating, hot and cold water supply system:
- installation of balancing valves
- heating system balancing
- flush heating pipe
- installation of meters for measuring hot water and heat consumption at home and in every apartment
Second, they implement:
- installation of a single heating point
- heat exchanger installation
- installation of a system designed for automatic control of heating and hot water
- replacement piping
- armature replacement
- thermal insulation of pipelines in basements and attics, as well as in common areas
- installation of thermoregulation valves on heating devices
- installation of shut-off valves
- installation and modernization of pumps designed to ensure water recirculation in hot water supply systems
Power and lighting system
First of all they execute:
- installation of common electricity meters for house and apartment
- installation of energy-saving lamps in places intended for general use
Second, they implement:
- set dimming in auto mode
- replacement of electric motors; installation of frequency control drive
Doors, windows, roof and walls
First of all they implement:
- closing, insulating and sealing the front door
- installation of doors and shutters in basements and attics; sealing and sealing windows located in common areas
Second, they implement:
- install heat-reflecting films on windows
- Installing low-emission glass on access roads
- replacing old windows and doors with energy efficient ones
- floor and wall insulation in the basement and attic
- roof insulation
- sealing joints between panels
- wall insulation
- glazing of loggias and balconies
- reduction of losses in the air conditioning and ventilation system due to the installation of air dampers
Preparing an energy saving program. Cost and Savings Estimates
The Energy Saving Program document is based on the requirements of Article 25 of Federal Law no. 261, which describes the principles of energy conservation and energy efficiency. The power-saving program includes the following steps:
- collect object data
- express building inspection
- energy audit to determine available energy saving potential and reserves
- forming a list of activities to increase the energy consumption class for MKD
- Determining the costs required to implement the plan
- calculating estimated savings in kind and money
- calculating the payback period of planned energy saving measures
- select funding sources
- selection of persons responsible for implementing energy efficiency measures in the saving mode
- development of actions for implementation of planned activities
- Charge, register, and approve energy-saving programs
Program to improve home energy efficiency goals:
- takes into account the individual characteristics of each MKD
- meets specific energy conservation needs
- defines a specific plan for achieving the required level of energy efficiency
- contains methods for rational reduction of energy costs and increase of energy efficiency
- takes into account available finances
- maximizes the energy potential of the building
The main result of implementing the developed program is the reduction of costs and energy consumption. This allows savings to be directed to more priority areas of activity. The return of developed activities can be determined by calculating:
- easy payback period
- discounted payback period
- profitability ratio
- Internal rate of return
- net present value
- Life cycle cost analysis
Thermal imaging survey allows you to assess the energy efficiency class of a building and determine how efficient the heat and electricity consumption is in the house. Such research is included in the energy audit complex. Based on the obtained results, an energy certificate is issued for MKD.
Improving the energy efficiency of buildings by homeowners
Homeowners can also improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This will lead to energy savings, so the cost of utility bills will be reduced. It is recommended for this:
- Insulate doors and window openings
- install another front door if the entrance is very cold
- install heat shields behind the radiator
- remove the grilles from the batteries, if any
- do not cover radiators with curtains
- replace old radiators with new ones
- for glazing loggias and balconies
- save electricity
- save water
Adopting these measures will save you energy costs by 30-40% without special costs without reducing the quality of life.
Who is the artist and where does the money come from?
The management organization is responsible for maintaining the housing stock. Therefore, she is the one who is the executor of the work on improving the energy efficiency of MKD. The source of funding is the payment of the residents of the house for the maintenance of the living room. Part of the work can be done under a civil law contract.
The management organization has the right to pay the amount of costs of energy saving measures according to the contract-contract as a fee for the maintenance of residential premises, having previously signed a contract with the owners for the execution of works.
Capital repair programs within the Reform Promotion Fund (FRS) program for housing and communal services, must include measures to improve energy efficiency and save energy resources in housing blocks, at the expense of the fund.
Favorable interventions in apartment buildings
A house that works in energy saving mode consumes much less resources. Energy saving technologies can be implemented even through cheap activities. To do this, follow:
- Rinse the heating system
- isolate approaches
- install door closers
- test the heating system
- install heat shields behind the radiator
- install heating controllers that allow you to regulate the coolant temperature depending on the room air temperature
Energy efficiency measures in buildings that require large investments
Technical and large-scale events are expensive, but significantly improve the energy efficiency of a building. These include:
- installation of modern windows with high thermal resistance
- installing new radiators
- Improving individual heating points
- selection of energy efficient heating boilers
- automation of the process of filling and operation from heating boilers
- insulation of common areas
- performing modern thermal insulation on pipelines
- installation of variable speed drives in plumbing and drainage systems
- installation of variable frequency drive on pumping equipment
- replacing old power grids with new ones
Energy efficient overhaul can significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, regular monitoring and analysis of new modern technologies that increase energy efficiency and, if possible, their application in practice is recommended. All these measures help to significantly save money spent on the maintenance of apartment buildings.