The information was translated using the ChatGPT service.
At its session on August 8th of this year, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a new Recovery Fund support program for improving energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy resources in the state sector, including historical buildings that serve a cultural function.
"For the implementation of energy efficiency measures in cultural and historical buildings, a gentle, professional, and consistent approach is required where classic solutions, such as facade insulation, are not permissible. Implementing energy efficiency measures in such buildings requires complex solutions, with responsible consideration of the preserved cultural and historical values," said the Minister of Economy, Ilze Indriksone.
The Recovery Fund will provide financing of 23,956,000 EUR in the form of a grant with a support intensity of up to 100%. It will be available for improving building energy efficiency, including construction work on building enclosures; renewal, reconstruction, or creation of building engineering systems, including heating, water supply, ventilation, and cooling systems; purchasing and installing renewable energy-based heat production sources; purchasing and installing automated management and control systems for buildings and engineering systems; preparing project technical documentation; restoration and internal finishing works to ensure the original architectural and interior finish details' visual and technical condition; structural restoration and renovation; and project management and supervision.
In addition, funding will be allocated from the state budget to cover the value-added tax for the projects - no more than 4,779,222 EUR.
The Ministry of Culture (MC), as the responsible authority in the field of cultural policy in Latvia, has evaluated and pre-selected potential project applicants (buildings with a cultural function), selecting nine potential project applicants for limited project selection.
Investments to improve energy efficiency in cultural and historical buildings are crucial given the buildings' age and wear and tear, reducing energy consumption while respecting the buildings' historical value, improving the buildings' technical condition, and enhancing the comfort felt by both the workers and visitors. Most of these buildings are around a hundred years old or more. Current projects in this activity include the Latvian National Opera and Ballet building and the "Great Guild" concert hall to improve conditions for both employees and spectators. Work will continue on organizing educational institutions under the supervision of the MC, implementing energy efficiency measures, and improving the infrastructure of the Latvian National Archive.
The selection of project applicants will be carried out by an evaluation commission set up by the Ministry of Economy, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Culture. The Central Finance and Contracting Agency will sign the agreement or contract for project implementation.
The maximum term for project implementation is until March 1, 2026. Project implementers will on average need to ensure a 30% overall primary energy savings in renovated buildings.
For more details on the rules for implementing the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Mechanism Plan 1.2. reform and investment direction "Improving energy efficiency" 1.2.1.4.i. investment "Improving energy efficiency in state sector buildings, including historical buildings", please visit the legal acts portal