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How to choose the right doors and windows for your home? Tips from engineer Ion Ulinici to improve comfort in your house

How to choose the right doors and windows for your home? Tips from engineer Ion Ulinici to improve comfort in your house

A significant portion of Moldova’s residents inherit houses from grandparents and great-grandparents, often built decades ago using construction techniques now considered outdated. As a result, these homes are not energy-efficient, with heat escaping in winter and cool air in summer through walls, doors, windows, attics, and floors.

The percentage of heat loss in a home depends on its type, the condition of its doors and windows, and the materials used in construction. To achieve a comfortable and energy-efficient home, appropriate measures must be taken.

Ion Ulinici, a construction engineer and energy auditor with extensive knowledge in energy efficiency, recommends replacing outdated windows and doors with modern, energy-efficient options.

“If the existing frames are old, cannot be restored, don’t close properly, or let the wind pass through even when shut, they must be replaced. When replacing frames, opt for double-glazed windows with at least two panes and LOW-E protection. The frame can be made of wood, aluminum with a thermal barrier, or PVC. If you choose PVC, go for a profile with at least five chambers.”

The expert emphasizes that window installation should only be done by specialists and that every operation requires professional evaluation. When purchasing new frames, homeowners should check for cracks, poorly welded corners, and functional opening and closing mechanisms.

Walls are the largest surface through which heat can escape, making wall insulation one of the most crucial energy efficiency measures. Another effective method is insulating the attic, which is considered one of the most affordable interventions. However, specialists stress that before starting any work, a thorough inspection of the structures is essential.

“Wall insulation is one of the most significant energy efficiency measures because walls account for the largest surface area of heat loss. Before starting insulation work, the structure’s technical condition should be inspected to ensure there are no cracks, wall displacements, or falling plaster. Attic insulation, however, is the most cost-effective intervention in construction, delivering the highest impact relative to cost per square meter. Before beginning, an inspection of the attic is necessary to ensure the ceiling can handle additional loads after insulation.”

Energy efficiency measures are vital for both home comfort and the health of its occupants. Ulinici also encourages homeowners to ventilate their homes regularly to maintain fresh and clean air. Every action taken today to save energy can help reduce future utility bills and secure a sustainable future.

Whether you’re a homeowner, craftsman, or local mayor, the “MĂ IMPLIC” project’s Energy Efficiency component provides free informative materials (guides, leaflets, brochures) with practical recommendations for improving home energy efficiency. These resources are available to citizens, technicians, and local administration representatives, offering clear and accessible solutions to reduce resource consumption and enhance thermal comfort in all seasons. All materials can be downloaded from the website www.ma-implic.md/eneff.

This campaign to raise awareness about the importance of energy efficiency in rural areas of Moldova is implemented through the “MĂ IMPLIC” project by Skat Consulting and the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED), with the support of the Swiss Government.

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How to Engage Citizens in Local Governance: Practical Guide for LPA, Developed by the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project (Revised Edition, 2024)

How to Engage Citizens in Local Governance: Practical Guide for LPA, Developed by the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project (Revised Edition, 2024)

The “MĂ IMPLIC” Project is pleased to announce the revised edition (2024) of the Practical Guide for Citizen Engagement in Local Governance and Public Service Development. This essential resource is designed for local public authorities, utility service operators, civic leaders, and local organizations.

Citizen engagement is a cornerstone of effective local governance, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs and interests of communities. The revised edition introduces updated tools and innovative practices to:

  • Enhance transparency and public accountability.
  • Promote inclusion and social equity in governance processes.
  • Develop public services in a participatory and sustainable manner.

The guide equips local authorities and stakeholders with clear principles and practical tools to streamline and enhance citizen involvement. Key features include:

  • Fundamental principles of citizen engagement, emphasizing transparency, innovation, efficiency, and inclusion.
  • Mechanisms for civic participation, such as public consultations, surveys, participatory budgeting initiatives, and digital feedback platforms.
  • Examples of best practices and concrete models, including guidance on organizing public meetings, mobilizing community resources, and developing public service improvement plans.
  • Performance indicators for monitoring and evaluation, enabling a better understanding of progress and alignment with community needs.

Applying the guide’s recommendations helps make public services more efficient, accessible, and responsive to the real needs of residents.

By implementing the outlined models and practices, local authorities not only make better-informed decisions but also gain the support of citizens, who become active partners in the decision-making process.

Ultimately, the guide provides a sustainable framework for local development, where every member of the community—regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status—can contribute to building a better future for all.

The guide is available in Romanian language for free download in PDF format and is intended for mayors, local councilors, utility service operators, and all those involved in local development.

This document was developed as part of the “MĂ IMPLIC” Project – Civic Engagement in Local Governance (Phase II, 2023-2027), funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by Skat Consulting Ltd. The content does not necessarily reflect the views of the mentioned partners.

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Ghid Practic pentru Implicarea Cetățenilor în Guvernarea Locală și Dezvoltarea Serviciilor Publice (ed.2024)

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Практическое руководство по вовлечению граждан в местное управление и развитие общественных услуг (изд. 2024)

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We remind you that 14 groups of LPAs from Moldova will benefit from stronger local governance and increased access to quality public services, thanks to the support of the Project MĂ IMPLIC, funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by Skat Consulting. The project “MĂ IMPLIC” in Phase 2 aims to contribute to strengthening local governance and increasing the population’s access to better public services. The project will provide support to local authorities and citizens to improve local administration, strategic planning, and public service delivery. This initiative will bring benefits to approximately 106,000 citizens in these communities.

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