Building Energy Efficiency Plan Of The Municipality Of Ampelokipi - Menemeni

The Architectural Design Department of Consortis, with extensive experience and expertise in both the technical and legislative requirements of energy studies, was responsible for preparing the Building Energy Efficiency Plan (BEEP) for the Municipality of Ampelokipi – Menemeni, in Thessaloniki. The BEEP, designed to improve energy efficiency of buildings, constitutes a crucial step in documenting and ultimately reducing energy consumption within public structures. Through this project, Consortis enhanced the municipality’s role as a model for sustainable development and environmental awareness within the local community, formulating a comprehensive energy upgrade plan with long-term benefits.

Approach

The energy performance of buildings is a key component of European Union policy focused on reducing CO2 emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels. The development of a BEEP is required under European directives, as well as national legislation. The BEEP aims to improve energy efficiency in public buildings nationwide, setting a standard for the public sector.

Public bodies are obligated to renovate 3% of the total area of their buildings annually and to develop energy efficiency plans that outline specific targets for reducing energy consumption, to comply with minimum energy performance standards and to leverage funding for project implementation. Upgrading is imperative due to the age of many buildings, high energy consumption, and the need to improve living conditions in public spaces.

The BEEP includes a comprehensive technical report encompassing the following:

• Detailed assessment of the current condition of the municipality’s buildings.
• Analysis of existing heating, cooling, lighting systems and structural elements to identify areas with the greatest need for interventions.
• Prioritisation of buildings based on objective criteria (e.g. age, use, energy consumption, social character).
• Proposals for interventions for energy upgrade and the use of renewable energy sources (thermal insulation, installation of RES systems such as solar panels, replacement of window frames, upgrading lighting with LED technology, etc.).
• Preparation of techno-economic analyses and calculation of the Benefit/Cost Ratio for each intervention scenario.
• Setting energy upgrade targets and project plan.
• Implementation of an energy management system.
• Utilisation of specialised financial tools for submitting funding proposals.
• Strategy for communicating information, enhancing awareness, and providing training to building occupants.

Benefits

The benefits associated with the development of a BEEP within a municipality can be summarized as follows:

• Reduction of energy consumption: Through the upgrading and integration of renewable energy sources, significant energy savings are achieved.
• Reduction of CO2 emissions: This process contributes to the lowering of carbon dioxide emissions and supports environmental protection initiatives.
• Improvement of energy efficiency: The replacement of outdated equipment with advanced and efficient alternatives results in reduced operating costs.
• Reduction of operating costs: Operational expenditure on buildings is minimized, thereby enhancing the financial sustainability of the municipality.
• Enhancement of comfort and quality of life: The upgrade of public spaces contributes to better living and working conditions, thereby elevating the overall well-being of citizens.
• Sustainability and resilience: The initiative supports environmental sustainability and bolsters the resilience of local communities.
• Priority in funding programs: Buildings included in a BEEP are given priority for access to funding programs.

In summary, the BEEP provides a comprehensive framework supporting the strategic and systematic enhancement of energy efficiency in public buildings, thereby advancing the objectives of the “Green Deal” and promoting residents’ wellbeing. Through the adoption of advanced technologies, Consortis optimized intervention outcomes and made a significant contribution to achieving lasting and sustainable benefits for the local community in the Municipality of Ampelokipi - Menemeni.