Translated using ChatGPT service.
The contest "Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2024," organized for the 14th year by the Ministry of Economy (EM) as part of the "Live Warmer" campaign, has concluded. The competition is held in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate and Energy and the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers.
The winners of the "Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2024" contest are:
- Apartment building in Riga, Dzelzavas Street 90 – 1st place in the category "Most Energy-Efficient Renovated Apartment Building in Latvia 2024."
- Ogre State Gymnasium – 1st place in the category "Most Energy-Efficient Public Building in Latvia 2024."
- Apartment building in Mārupe, Lielā Street 45 – 1st place in the category "Most Energy-Efficient Apartment Building in Latvia 2024 (New Build)."
This year, the contest received a diverse range of entries, with jury experts evaluating everything from small two-story houses to 12-story buildings, as well as shops, schools, and hospitals. Each inspected property revealed different experiences and valuable insights. The jury assessed heating solutions, construction quality, sustainability, and ventilation systems.
"We are delighted that more and more energy-efficiency project implementers can be proud of the innovations and effective technical solutions they apply. There is no better motivation than a good example! Today's laureates serve as exemplary models for other apartment, industrial, and public buildings, as well as private homes, to become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. We recognize that improving energy efficiency in buildings requires investment, and so, within various support programs, we are currently offering state support of over €240 million. In addition, under the EU fund programs, more than €430 million will be available for energy efficiency investments," said Edmunds Valantis, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy.
The Ministry of Economy's Special Award for perseverance and contribution to promoting energy efficiency was awarded to independent energy efficiency expert Natālija Beļska. Another award went to Arnis Neimanis, project manager at SIA "Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks," for his significant contribution to the renovation of apartment buildings and the high energy efficiency results achieved.
"The renovation of buildings, which includes reducing energy consumption, improving living comfort, and extending the building's lifespan, is important for all of us. By renovating at least 70% of Latvia's apartment buildings and cutting their heat energy consumption by half, we would meet future climate goals while significantly extending the buildings' service life. The idea that the cheapest energy is the one we don't use is crucial—it saves money, reduces dependence on imported energy, and protects the environment by minimizing the energy lost through inefficient buildings. I thank everyone who has recognized the benefits of building renovation and taken significant steps toward creating a better living environment," emphasized Kaspars Melnis, Minister of Climate and Energy.
The annual "Climate Friend" award from the Ministry of Climate and Energy was presented to the "Rimi" shopping center in Ķekava, highlighting and honoring the project for embedding sustainability principles into the building, a model that could inspire similar retail projects across Latvia. Shopping centers are energy-intensive buildings due to their large size and the energy demands of various equipment. This center focused on efficiency concerning water and energy resources, ventilation, and plans to offer visitors the ability to charge electric vehicles, demonstrating a positive example for similar retail projects.
The Latvian Association of Civil Engineers highly values the contest's significance and has been actively participating in the jury throughout the years. "Good practices and examples of building energy efficiency seen by the public are of immense value. This year, 43 buildings were submitted for evaluation, and I hope that next year and in future years, we will receive even more applications," said Helēna Endriksone, Vice President of ECCE and First Vice-Chair of the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers.
This year, the jury also awarded Viktors Valainis, the senior manager of an apartment building in Jelgava, Pasta Street 34, for leading the renovation project—an excellent example of sustainable thinking that promotes resource conservation while creating a comfortable and well-maintained environment.
In the online voting, Babīte Secondary School received the most votes—512 in total—and thus won the contest's Popularity Award.
Contest Winners for "Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2024"
Category: "Most Energy-Efficient Renovated Apartment Building in Latvia 2024": 1st place: Apartment building in Riga, Dzelzavas Street 90
2nd place: Apartment building in Riga, Latgales Street 237
3rd place (shared): Apartment building in Jelgava, Rīgas Street 57 and Apartment building in Riga, Bauskas Street 53
Category: "Most Energy-Efficient Public Building 2024": 1st place: Ogre State Gymnasium
2nd place (shared): Bauska BJSS Sports Hall and Rimi shopping center in Ķekava
3rd place: VSIA Strenči Psychiatric Hospital (Maria House)
Category: "Most Energy-Efficient Apartment Building in Latvia 2024 (New Build)": 1st place: Lielā Street 45, Mārupe
2nd place: Dravnieku Street 1, Riga
3rd place: Dzelzavas Street 108, Riga
About the Contest
The contest, organized as part of the "Live Warmer" campaign, aims to promote good practices in building energy efficiency and sustainability by encouraging the construction, renovation, and reconstruction of energy-efficient buildings, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is also to raise public awareness of the importance of energy conservation, building durability, indoor climate, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to create high-quality, architecturally expressive living spaces.
This year, 43 buildings were submitted to the contest. Further information about the contest and the winners can be found on the website www.energoefektivakaeka.lv.