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All Energy Efficiency

Rural families in Moldova save up to 40% on heating after home Insulation improvements

Rural families in Moldova save up to 40% on heating after home Insulation improvements

As winter approaches and energy prices remain high, it’s important to consider how we can improve the comfort and energy efficiency of our homes. But what practical steps can we take to reduce our energy consumption? In the village of Logănești, located in the Hîncești district, many residents have implemented a series of thermal insulation measures in their homes, allowing them to save resources and pay less for heating during the colder months.

Last winter, Elena decided it was time to reduce the amount of wood she used for heating. She started by insulating the ceiling of two rooms in her house and cleaning the stove she uses to keep warm during the winter.

“I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I noticed the difference after the insulation work was done. The effects were felt the very next day. The house became much more energy efficient and I now save up to 40% of the wood I used to use for heating. I used to use about 10 m³ of wood per winter, but now I’m down to 6 m³. Our comfort has improved a lot.” said Elena.

Ion, from the same locality, also had a positive experience. After insulating the ceiling towards the attic of his house, he noticed that these simple yet effective actions helped him reduce the amount of firewood consumed annually.

“After the insulation work on the house, I am completely satisfied because the results were immediately noticeable. The house is only heated with wood, so we calculate the heating costs according to the amount of wood we buy. In previous years we used to buy 15 m³ of wood a year, but after the house was insulated the amount was reduced to 10 m³”.

To save energy, Tudora also replaced three windows and a door in the house and insulated the walls. 

“I noticed the difference instantly – during winter, the house stays warmer for longer, and in summer, it’s cooler inside. Both daily activities and living conditions have improved significantly after the energy efficiency upgrades. During the cold season, I used much less wood compared to previous years.”

Whether you are a homeowner, a handyman or a local mayor, in the framework of the project “MĂ IMPLIC”, the “Energy Efficiency” component, dedicated experts and specialists have developed a number of free materials (guides, leaflets, brochures) for people who own houses with practical recommendations for energy insulation of their homes. These resources are available to citizens, technicians and  local public authorities, providing clear and accessible solutions to reduce the amount of resources used for heating. All materials can be downloaded from this website – https://ma-implic.md/eneff/.

Mirco Keller, project coordinator of the Energy Efficiency (EnEff) project Moldova: “Through this information and support initiative, we aim to provide every Moldovan with the information and knowledge they need to take simple but important steps towards energy efficiency in their homes. In this way, everyone can save money, improve home comfort and help protect the environment. Adopting modern technologies and efficient practices can not only help to reduce energy consumption, but also help to protect the environment, providing an essential solution for a more sustainable and greener future. We encourage everyone to find out first-hand how they can make their homes more efficient and to share this information with those around them.”

The information campaign on the importance of energy efficiency in rural areas of the Republic of Moldova is being implemented through the “MĂ IMPLIC” project by Skat Consulting Ltd.and the National Center for Sustainable Energy (CNED), with the support of the Swiss Government.”

Anyone interested in improving their home’s energy efficiency is encouraged to visit https://ma-implic.md/eneff/ or contact their local mayor’s office for verified information on how to optimize heat and energy consumption at home.

Anyone interested in improving their home’s energy efficiency is encouraged to visit https://ma-implic.md/eneff/ or contact their local mayor’s office for verified information on how to optimize heat and energy consumption at home.

#MaImplicProject #SkatConsulting #SwissCooperation #Elvetia 
#MAIMPLIC #EneFF #EficientaEnergetica

Categories
Administrative-territorial reform All

Estonian Lessons for Moldovan Mayors: Opportunities for Voluntary Amalgamation

Estonian Lessons for Moldovan Mayors: Opportunities for Voluntary Amalgamation

Between September 30 and October 4, 2024, a new group of mayors from 10 rural communities in Moldova had the opportunity to explore the Estonian model of public administration reform. This study visit was organized to provide participants with a detailed understanding of the process and results of voluntary amalgamation in Estonia.

Among the key topics discussed with representatives from the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities, and four local municipalities were:

  • The process and outcomes of the reform: Participants examined the reorganization of district administrations (“maakonnad”) and its positive impact on public services.
  • Cooperation between the state and local authority associations: While already a familiar topic, close collaboration between governance levels and local associations was highlighted as crucial for the success of the reform.
  • Local finance and investment: Discussions revolved around the need for appropriate funding to support the proposed changes and improve public services.
  • Human resource reorganization: The group learned how improving administrative efficiency can lead to better adaptability of local structures.
  • Optimization of public services: Ways in which services can be better adapted to the needs of citizens were analyzed.
  • Institutional framework: Participants discussed the importance of a solid regulatory framework in support of amalgamation.
  • Local business development: The impact of reforms on the local business environment was a central topic during discussions.
  • Asset management: Another key point was the efficient use of resources and assets available in the new administrative structures to maximize the positive impact on communities.

The group participated in three workshops, where they explored in detail the following aspects:

  • Legal process: The regulatory and procedural framework of voluntary amalgamation, including available financial incentives.
  • Public consultations: The role and importance of consultations with residents both before and after the amalgamation, as well as the connection between the Estonian and Moldovan models.
  • Developing a vision: The need to create a development vision for the administrative-territorial units that will amalgamate.

This experience provided mayors with new perspectives and ideas for voluntary amalgamation in Moldova, enhancing their capacity to initiate and lead effective projects in their own communities.

This second study visit reflects the ongoing commitment of the MĂ IMPLIC Project and the Government of the Republic of Moldova to support local public administration reforms, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for citizens and making public services more efficient.

The visit was organized with the support of the Swiss Government, at the request of the State Chancellery of the Republic of Moldova, and is part of a series of activities aimed at bringing international expertise closer to the reform process in Moldova.

#ProiectulMaimplic #SkatConsulting #Switzerland #VoluntaryAmalgamation #Reform #LocalPublicAdministration #PublicAdministrationReform #Estonia #VoluntaryAmalgamation #LocalDevelopment

We remind you that 14 groups of local public authorities (LPAs) in Moldova will benefit from stronger local governance and increased access to quality public services, thanks to the support of the MĂ IMPLIC Project, funded by the Swiss Government and implemented by Skat Consulting. The primary goal of the MĂ IMPLIC Project is to contribute to strengthening local governance and enhancing citizens’ 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 benefit approximately 106,000 citizens from these communities.

#MaImplicProject #SkatConsulting #SwissCooperation #Switzerland
#MAIMPLIC #LocalDevelopment #PublicServices #EfficientGovernance