The amount of energy consumed by modern society is increasing every day. Improving the energy efficiency of multi-apartment buildings (MKBs) is one of the major challenges of the 21st century. The maximum effect of energy saving can be achieved through the joint efforts of the state, the management companies and the residents of the houses.
What are energy efficiency and energy saving
Current trends in energy saving are driving innovation in energy saving. According to Federal Law No. 261, signed on November 23, 2009, energy efficiency is the ratio between the benefits obtained from the use of resources and the costs necessary to obtain them.
Energy saving is a set of measures, the purpose of which is efficiency and economy in the use of energy resources. The main energy efficiency indicators of multi-apartment residential buildings must meet the requirements of applicable laws in this area.
Energy efficiency legislation for residential buildings
Actions to improve the energy efficiency of buildings are governed by the following regulations:
- Order of the Ministry of Economic Development n. 61 of February 17, 2010, which approved an approximate sequence of actions aimed at improving energy efficiency
- Order of the Ministry of Construction n. 98 of 15 February 2017, which approved a list of actions to promote energy saving and a more efficient use of resources in condominiums
These orders define a list of actions to improve energy efficiency in an apartment building. Order no. 98 specifies the principle of assigning energy efficiency classes to condominiums. Determine the rationality of spending the resources necessary to maintain the structure. Taken together, both documents make it possible to determine a list of energy saving measures, distributing them by cost level and type of resources.
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 and Public Services can be divided according to the types of resources used.
The result of the activities carried out in the first place should give the maximum effect. When all the priority requirements for energy efficiency are met in the house, the second phase of activities is carried out. Their implementation is also very important. The order of activities is determined for technical and financial reasons.
It is proposed to implement the following measures that can improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
Heating system and hot water supply
First, the following activities are carried out in the hot, hot and cold water supply system:
- installation of balancing valves
- balancing the heating system
- rinsing the heating pipes
- installation of meters for measuring hot water and heat consumption in the house and in every apartment
Second, they run:
- installation of an individual heating point
- installing the heat exchanger
- installation of a system designed for automatic control of heating and hot water
- replacement pipeline
- replacement of the reinforcement
- thermal insulation of pipes in basements and attics, as well as in common areas
- installation of valves for thermoregulation on heating devices
- installation of shut-off valves
- installation and modernization of pumps designed to provide water recirculation in hot water supply systems
Power supply and lighting system
First of all they run:
- installation of electricity meters of common houses and apartments
- installation of energy saving lamps in places intended for general use
Second, they run:
- setting the dimming in automatic mode
- replacement of electric motors; installation of drives to provide frequency control
Doors, windows, roof and walls
First of all they run:
- closing, isolation and sealing of entrance doors
- installation of doors and shutters in basements and attics; sealing and sealing of windows located in common areas
Second, they run:
- installing heat reflective films on Windows
- installation of low-emissivity glass in driveways
- replacing old windows and doors with energy efficient ones
- floor and wall insulation in the basement and attic
- roof insulation
- sealing of the joints between the panels
- wall insulation
- stained glass windows of loggias and balconies
- reduction of losses in the air conditioning and ventilation system due to the installation of air shutters
Preparation of an energy saving program. Estimation of costs and savings
The Energy Saving Program is a document based on the requirements of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 261, which describes the principles of energy saving and energy efficiency. The energy saving program plan includes the following steps:
- object data collection
- quick building inspection
- energy audit to determine available potential and energy savings reserves
- formation of a list of events in order to increase the energy consumption class of MKD
- determination of the costs required to implement the plan
- calculation of estimated savings in natural and monetary value
- calculation of the payback period of planned energy saving measures
- selection of funding sources
- selection of persons responsible for implementing measures aimed at saving energy consumption
- development of actions for the implementation of planned activities
- compilation, registration and approval of the energy saving program
Program to improve home energy efficiency goals:
- takes into account the individual characteristics of each MKD
- meets specific energy saving needs
- defines a specific plan to achieve the required energy efficiency level
- contains methods to rationally reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency
- takes into account available finances
- makes the most of the building's energy potential
The main result of implementing the developed program is to reduce costs and energy consumption. This allows savings to be directed towards higher priority areas of activity. The recovery of the developed assets can be determined by one using the calculation:
- simple refund period
- discounted refund period
- profitability ratio
- Internal rate of return
- net present value
- Life cycle cost analysis
Thermal imaging allows you to assess the energy efficiency class of a building and determine how efficient the home is using heat and electricity. This survey is included in the energy audit complex. Based on the results obtained, an energy certificate for MKD is issued.
Improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings by apartment owners
Apartment owners can also improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This will lead to energy savings, so the cost of bills will decrease. For this we recommend:
- Insulate doors and window openings
- install a second front door if the entrance is very cold
- install heat shields behind the radiators
- remove the decorative grids from the batteries, if any
- do not cover the radiators with curtains
- replace old radiators with new ones
- to glaze loggias and balconies
- saves electricity
- saves water
Adopting these measures will save energy costs by 30-40% without special costs without reducing the quality of life.
Who is the artist and where to get the money from
The management organization is responsible for maintaining the housing stock. Therefore, it is she who is the performer of the work to improve the energy efficiency of MKD. The source of the funding is the payment made by the residents of the house for the maintenance of the housing. Part of the work can be carried out with a civil law contract.
The management body has the right to pay the amount of the costs of energy saving measures under the paid contract-contract for the maintenance of residential premises, having previously signed an agreement with the owners on the implementation of the works.
The capital repair programs under the Fund for the Promotion of Reforms (FRS) program of housing and public services, without fail include measures to improve energy efficiency and energy saving in apartment buildings, at the expense ofbottom.
Low cost interventions in condominiums
A house that operates in energy saving mode consumes far fewer resources. Energy saving technologies can also be implemented through low cost activities. To do this, follow:
- Flush the heating system
- isolates driveways
- install door closers
- examines the heating system
- install heat reflective screens behind the radiators
- installs heating regulators that allow you to adjust the coolant temperature according to the air temperature in the room
Energy efficiency measures in buildings requiring large investments
Large-scale and technical events are expensive, but they improve a building's energy efficiency much more. These include:
- installation of modern windows with high thermal resistance
- installation of new radiators
- improvement of individual heating points
- selection of energy efficient heating boilers
- automation of the loading and operating process from heating boilers
- isolation of common areas
- execution of modern thermal insulation on pipes
- installation of variable units in water supply and sewage systems
- installation of a frequency converter on pumping equipment
- replace old power grids with new ones
An energy efficient overhaul can significantly reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, it is recommended to regularly monitor and analyze new modern technologies which increase energy efficiency and, if possible, to put them into practice. All these measures help to significantly save the amount of resources spent on the maintenance of apartment buildings.