Brovary is confidently moving towards becoming one of the most energy efficient cities in Ukraine. Thanks to the initiatives of the city authorities under the leadership of Ihor Sapozhko, the community not only saves resources but also creates comfortable conditions for residents while taking care of the environment. With the onset of cold weather, it became clear that the introduction of new technologies has already had its effect, UNN writes.
Modernization of heating systems
The new realities in which Ukrainians live have demonstrated that energy independence and energy efficiency are now playing a key role in the work of local authorities. Terrorist Russia's constant attempts to plunge Ukraine into darkness are forcing the acceleration of the introduction of the latest systems that allow cities to become energy independent.
Therefore, one of the key areas of work of the local authorities in Brovary, the largest satellite city of the capital, was the introduction of modern heating systems. Boiler houses are being actively modernized, the latest energy-saving technologies are being introduced, and heat losses in the networks are being minimized.
According to the mayor of Brovary, a number of residential buildings have individual heating stations that allow residents to regulate heat supply and save on utility bills.
"We strive to make each high-rise building as energy efficient as possible. This will not only save money for residents, but also reduce the load on the energy system as a whole," said Igor Sapozhko in an exclusive commentary to UNN.
In addition, the city is actively switching to modern LED lighting. Old lamps have already been replaced with energy-saving ones on the main streets, in parks and public buildings. These lamps consume several times less electricity and have a much longer service life. Thanks to this step, the city significantly reduces lighting costs and improves the quality of lighting at night.
The thermal modernization program for multi-storey buildings was another important step. At the initiative of the city authorities, residential buildings and social facilities such as schools, kindergartens and hospitals were actively insulated for the winter. This helps to reduce heating costs and maintain a comfortable temperature even in the coldest months.
"Such measures are already proving to be effective, as they minimize the load on Ukraine's energy system, which suffers from constant enemy attacks," said Sapozhko.
Brovary also has a program of partial compensation for the purchase of generators for apartment buildings.
"The relevant program has been operating in our city since the end of 2022, and about thirty Brovary condominiums and housing cooperatives have already joined it, some of them repeatedly. The city has allocated almost two million hryvnias for compensation. In order to receive compensation for the installed generator, the management of a condominium or housing cooperative must apply to the city's Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Transport. A commission reviews the application, determines the amount of compensation and makes a decision at a meeting of the executive committee. I would like to urge all residents of apartment buildings to be active and join this program in order not to depend on power outages," said Sapozhko.
As part of its sustainable development strategy, Brovary is also introducing alternative energy sources. Some facilities already use solar panels to meet their energy needs. The city authorities plan to expand this area to make energy consumption even more environmentally friendly and protect against possible power outages.
Such achievements in energy efficiency were made possible through cooperation with international organizations and programs. Through participation in grant projects, Brovary receives funding to implement large-scale infrastructure changes. The cooperation of local authorities with colleagues from foreign twin cities plays a significant role in this. "First of all, we share our experience. This helps us choose the most effective and best way of development. The twin cities actively support us, and this applies not only to cooperation in the energy sector, but also in other equally important projects," said Ihor Sapozhko.
He also noted that Brovary continues to move towards sustainable development. The city plans to further modernize its infrastructure, expand the use of alternative energy and support initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption.
"Energy efficiency is an investment in our future. We care about our residents living in a comfortable, modern and environmentally responsible city," summarized Igor Sapozhko.