As part of Tirana Architecture Week 2024, GreenFORCE organized a roundtable discussion titled “Challenges in Achieving Net-Zero Transition in Post-Communist Urban Neighborhoods.” The event brought together experts and stakeholders to address critical issues related to the green transition and energy efficiency in post-communist urban areas.
The event was inaugurated by a welcoming address from Mrs. Anila Bejko, Executive Director of Co-PLAN, and was followed by the presentation of a research study undertaken in Albania on the “Importance of Net-Zero Transition in Urban Neighborhoods”. During the presentation, Ms. Kejt Dhrami presented the study’s findings, which included scenarios that assess the costs and benefits of transitioning towards net-zero and energy-efficient buildings.
Afterwards, Prof. Velimir Šećerov, of the Faculty of Geography at the University of Belgrade, provided an in-depth analysis of the green transition across the Western Balkans, with a focus on Serbia’s efforts towards a net-zero green transition in post-communist Belgrade.
The roundtable moved into a dynamic panel discussion featuring four experts from a variety of sectors, each offering unique perspectives on the green transition and energy efficiency:
- Mrs. Romina Dervishi from the Tirana Municipality’s General Directory of Environment and Sustainable Development highlighted the city’s commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy for reaching its climate mitigation targets. She also shared insights into the municipality’s upcoming energy efficiency action plan. One key topic addressed was the municipality’s ongoing initiative to increase energy efficiency in older residential buildings and student dormitories. For building upgrades through this initiative, joint financial commitment between residents and the municipality as well as a continuous 70% agreement amongst residents is required. Concerns regarding the certification of these investments were raised, with Mrs. Dervishi clarifying that no certification from the Agency of Energy Efficiency was currently in place for these projects.
- Mr. Dorjan Pashaj from ProCredit Bank emphasized the financial support mechanisms available to businesses and individuals investing in photovoltaic panels, aiming to reduce energy consumption. He also discussed the bank’s ongoing assessment of opportunities for wind energy production, citing a lack of historical wind data as a current challenge.
- Prof. As. Merita Guri, offered a deep dive into her research on the sustainability and energy efficiency challenges faced by prefabricated buildings constructed in the 1970s-1990s in Tirana and Durrës. She highlighted critical issues such as heat loss due to outdated building materials and the need for structural reinforcement, thermo-insulation, and window and door replacements.
- Ms. Valbona Mazreku, from Milieukontakt Albania, shared the organization’s work in addressing energy efficiency and energy poverty. She highlighted the important role civil society has to educate, raise awareness and most importantly advocate in the general public on aspects and developments (policy and technical wise) of green transition and energy efficiency.
GreenFORCE is dedicated to advancing scientific research and innovation in the Western Balkans’ green transition. In Albania, its research focuses on the pillars of Climate, Energy, and Depollution within the Western Balkans Green Transition Agenda, specifically examining the socio-economic benefits of transitioning toward net-zero-emission buildings (NZEB) in urban areas.