Energy saving and energy efficiency

energy saving and energy efficiency

The amount of energy consumed by modern society is increasing every day. Improving the energy efficiency of apartment buildings is one of the most important challenges of the 21st century. The maximum impact of energy savings can be achieved through the joint efforts of the state, management companies and homeowners.

What is energy efficiency and energy saving

Current trends in energy saving drive innovation in energy saving. According to Federal Law No. 261, signed on November 23, 2009, energy efficiency is the ratio of the benefits of using resources to the costs of obtaining them.

The goal of energy saving is a series of measures that are efficient and economical in the use of energy sources. The main indicators of energy efficiency of multi-apartment residential buildings must meet the requirements of applicable laws in this area.

Energy efficiency legislation for residential buildings

Measures to increase the energy efficiency of buildings are regulated by the following rules:

  1. Order of the Ministry of Economic Development dated February 17, 2010 No. 61 approving the sequence of measures aimed at increasing energy efficiency
  2. Order of the Ministry of Construction dated February 15, 2017, approving the list of measures to promote energy saving and more efficient use of resources in apartment buildings No. 98

These decrees define a list of measures to increase energy efficiency in an apartment. Order No. 98 defines the principle of assigning energy efficiency classes to apartment buildings. Determines the rationality of spending the resources required to maintain the enterprise. Together, the two documents allow for a list of energy-saving measures, allocating them by cost level and type of source.

Energy saving measures according to the order of the Ministry of Construction No. 98

The energy saving program recommended by the Ministry of Construction and Housing can be divided according to the sources used.

First of all, the results of the activities should have the greatest effect. When all the priority requirements for energy efficiency in the home are met, the second phase of activities is carried out. Their application is also very important. The order of operation is determined by technical and financial reasons.

The following measures are proposed to increase the energy efficiency of buildings.

Heating and hot water supply system

First of all, the following activities are carried out in the heating, hot and cold water supply system:

  • installation of balance valves
  • balancing the heating system
  • heating pipes
  • Installation of meters for measuring hot water and heat consumption in the house and in each apartment

Second, they implement:

  • installation of individual heating point
  • heat exchanger installation
  • Installation of a system designed for automatic control of heat and hot water
  • pipe replacement
  • Reinforcement Replacement
  • Thermal insulation of pipelines in basements and attics, as well as in common areas
  • Installation of valves for thermoregulation in heating devices
  • Installation of shut-off valves
  • Installation and modernization of pumps designed to ensure water circulation in hot water supply systems

Power supply and lighting system

First of all, they implement:

  • Installation of common house and apartment electricity meters
  • Installation of energy saving lamps in public places

Second, they implement:

  • automatic dark setting
  • replacement of electric motors; installation of drivers that will provide frequency control

Doors, windows, roofs and walls

First of all, they implement:

  • Closing, insulating and sealing transition doors
  • Installation of doors and dampers in basements and attics; sealing and sealing of windows in common places

Second, they implement:

  • Installation of heat-reflecting films on windows
  • Installation of low-emission glass on highways
  • Replacing old windows and doors with energy-efficient ones
  • Floor and wall insulation in basement and attic
  • roof insulation
  • Sealing the joints between the panels
  • wall insulation
  • glass windows and balconies
  • Reduction of losses in the air conditioning and ventilation system due to the installation of air dampers

Development of energy saving program. Valuation of finances and savings

The Energy Saving Program is a document based on the requirements of Article 25 of Federal Law 261, which explains the principles of energy saving and energy efficiency. The energy saving program plan includes the following steps:

  • object data collection
  • express inspection of the building
  • energy audit to determine existing energy saving potential and resources
  • Forming a list of activities to increase the energy consumption class of MKD
  • Determining the costs required to implement the plan
  • Calculation of estimated savings in natural and monetary terms
  • Calculation of payment period of planned energy saving measures
  • selection of financial sources
  • Selection of persons responsible for the implementation of measures aimed at saving energy
  • development of activities for the implementation of planned activities
  • Completion, registration and approval of energy saving program

Software to improve energy efficiency goals at home:

  • takes into account the individual characteristics of each MKD
  • meets special energy protection needs
  • defines a specific plan to achieve the required level of energy efficiency
  • contains methods to rationally reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency
  • takes into account available funding
  • makes the best use of the building's energy potential

The main result of the program is to reduce costs and energy consumption. This allows savings to be focused on higher priority areas. The return on developed activities can be determined using the calculation:

  • simple repayment period
  • discounted repayment period
  • profitability ratio
  • Internal return rate
  • net present value
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Thermal imaging research allows you to evaluate the energy efficiency class of a building and determine how efficient the heat and electricity consumption in a home is. Such a study is included in the energy audit complex. Based on the results, an energy certificate is issued for MKD.

Improving the energy efficiency of buildings by homeowners

Homeowners can also increase the energy efficiency of buildings. This will save energy, so the cost of utilities will be reduced. It is recommended for this:

  • Insulate door and window openings
  • If the entrance is too cold, install a second front door
  • Install heat shields behind radiators
  • If
  • , remove the decorative grilles from the batteries
  • Do not cover radiators with curtains
  • Replace old radiators with new ones
  • to paint loggias and balconies
  • energy saving
  • Save water

Adoption of these measures will allow to reduce energy costs by 30-40% without special costs without reducing the quality of life.

Who is the performer and where to get the money

The management organization is responsible for maintaining the housing stock. Therefore, MKD is the executor of energy efficiency work. The source of funding is payment for the maintenance of residential buildings by residents. Part of the work can be done on the basis of a civil law contract.

The management organization has the right to reimburse the cost of energy saving measures under the contract as a payment for the maintenance of residential buildings, having previously signed a contract with the owners for the implementation of works.

The Housing Reform Promotion Foundation's (MHS) program includes overhaul programs, energy efficiency measures, and energy savings in apartment blocks.

Cheap interventions in apartment buildings

An energy-efficient home uses less resources. Energy-saving technologies can be implemented even through inexpensive activities. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Wash the heating system
  • Insulate highways
  • Install door fasteners
  • Investigate the heating system
  • Install heat shields behind radiators
  • Install heat regulators that allow you to adjust the temperature of the refrigerator depending on the temperature in the room.

Energy efficiency measures in buildings that require large investments

Technical and large-scale measures are expensive, but further increase the energy efficiency of the building. These include:

  • Installation of modern windows with high heat resistance
  • installation of new radiators
  • Improving individual heating points
  • Choice of energy-saving boilers
  • Automation of loading and operation process from boilers
  • Isolation of common areas
  • implementation of modern thermal insulation in pipelines
  • Installation of variable speed drive in water supply and drainage systems
  • Installing a variable frequency drive on pumping equipment
  • Replacing old electrical networks with new ones

Energy-efficient repairs can significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, it is recommended to regularly monitor and analyze new modern technologies that increase energy efficiency and, if possible, put them into practice. All these measures help to significantly save resources spent on the operation of apartment buildings.