Transforming public infrastructure with the low carbon project in Bosnia
This case study examines the “Low Carbon Project” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, an ambitious initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project focuses on retrofitting public buildings to enhance energy efficiency, tackling both financial and non-financial barriers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With substantial funding secured, this project aims to directly reduce 2.02 million tons of CO₂e, while indirectly achieving even greater reductions through the broader market transformation.
About
Challenges:
Problems the Project Aims to Address:
• High energy consumption and inefficiencies in public buildings, leading to excessive greenhouse gas emissions.
• Financial and non-financial barriers that hinder the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in public infrastructure.
• The need for sustainable job creation in the energy and construction sectors.
• Insufficient progress toward national and global climate goals, particularly in reducing CO₂ emissions.
Solutions
Technical Solutions Applied by the Project:
Comprehensive retrofitting of public buildings to improve energy efficiency, including insulation, heating, and lighting systems.
Implementation of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Financial mechanisms and incentives to encourage widespread adoption of energy-efficient technologies in public and private sectors. Capacity-building initiatives to overcome non-financial barriers, such as lack of technical expertise and awareness.
Impacts
The Low Carbon Project is a transformative effort that not only addresses immediate environmental challenges but also lays the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Direct reduction of 2.02 million tons of CO₂e, with significantly more reductions anticipated indirectly through market transformation.
- Improved energy efficiency in public buildings, leading to lower operational costs and enhanced environmental performance.
- Creation of jobs in the green energy sector, supporting sustainable economic growth and reducing unemployment.
- Contribution to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s climate goals, advancing national efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability.