Energy efficiency in Jekabpils

In the end of 2008 Jēkabpils signed the cooperation agreement with Zemgale region's Jelgava Council on implementing the joint project "Foundation of Zemgale Regional Energy Agency for support of energy management and energy efficiency in the municipalities of Zemgale region", with the aim to increase the energy efficiency and use RES in the public and private sectors. The project is planned to be run until 31 August 2011. With the City Council's Decision in March 2009, Mayor of Jēkabpils Leonids Salcevics was authorized to sign the European Covenant of Mayors, which commited the cities to reduce their CO₂ emissions implementing Sustainable Energy Action Plan, in that way having accepted responsibility for conservation of environment. The development strategy of Jēkabpils envisages considerate attitude to environment, rational use of natural resources and systematic improvement of city environment. To achieve these aims, one of the priorities is the implementation of energy efficiency measures in municipality starting with municipal buildings.

Jekabpils district central hospital before the renovation (up on right hand side) and after - with new windows, the roof and insulation

In 2007 - 2008 Jēkabpils district central hospital with the support of ERAF, state and Jēkabpils District Council realised serious energy efficiency measures: the old windows, doors and covering of the roof were changed. Also, heat insulation of the roof covering, as well as heat insulation of external walls were added. Total cost of project was 1.381.893 EUR. The equipment for reconstruction of boiler house (supply of electro station and supply and installation of three boilers with auxiliaries) was installed. The consumption of natural gas in the hospital has decreased from 614,000 nm³ to 454,405 nm³, i.e. 26%. From mid 2008, the municipal energy efficiency plans and measures are included in the general Municipality Energy Efficiency Programme, which will allow more precisely to coordinate activities and measures in this field. In this way Jēkabpils plansto overcome the obstacles created by economic crisis and prepare itself to be more efficient and nature friendly in the future.