29.09.2021.
Two weeks after the Public Call for the energy renovation of houses was launched, the citizens of Zadar got the opportunity to learn about the changes in the programme and new method of applying. Many citizens came to the Town Hall to participate in the information and education workshop held by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund.In her opening speech Ana Bajlo, the head of the Department for energy efficiency in the Town of Zadar, pointed out that the Town had been working intensively on similar programmes since 210, and in cooperation with the Fund implemented numerous projects. “We co-financed the renovation of around 100 family houses, some in cooperation with the Fund and some of them on our own, and we also converted an entire neighbourhood that was using fuel oil to using natural gas. In addition, solar collectors were installed on the Višnjik sports and recreation centre. By signing the Covenant of Mayors, the Town pledged to reduce their emissions, and by implementing these projects they were reduced by 18.6%, almost reaching the EU goal of 20%,“ said Bajlo, pointing out that by 2030, the emissions should be reduced by 40%. Mrs Bajlo concluded: “The building sector is extremely important in order to achieve these results.”
Accordingly, energy efficiency measures and family houses were the topic of the workshop held in Zadar. The head of the Energy Efficiency Sector, Maje Rajčić, said that the Fund had allocated HRK 300 million for co-financing the measures such as thermal insulation of the envelope, replacement of windows, and the installation of the renewable energy systems, including PV power plants. “Under this Public Call, citizens can be granted the maximum of 204 thousand kunas per project, depending on the energy category of the house and projects they are planning. Thermal insulation of the building envelope or a comprehensive energy renovation will be co-financed with up to 60% for the houses in the energy category D or lower in continental, or C or lower in coastal Croatia. The funding is also available solely for the use of renewable energy sources, either for the heating systems or electricity generation. However, these funds are available only for the houses in the energy category C or higher, or B or higher in the continental and coastal part of Croatia respectively, the grant amounting to 40, 60 or 80%, depending on the location,” explained Rajčić.
She invited the citizens to peruse the details of the call on the Fund’s website, where they could also find today’s presentation, and to create their accounts in the e-Applications system. By creating the account, on 14 October they will be able to log in, fill out the application form and upload all necessary documentation. to the questions of the participants who already had the documentation prepared, the Fund advised them to obtain we quotes from the contractors due to a change in market prices, empathising that the contractor could be changed later on.
To simplify the application process as much as possible, especially for those who are not very tech-savvy, the Fund will co-finance expert assistance with up to 500 kn, and the amount will be paid together with other energy renovation costs, based on an invoice or service contract. The citizens will be able to submit their applications through the online e-applications system starting on 14 October 2021 at 9:00, and if they are successful, they will have a 24-month period to complete the renovation they planned.
