The Energy Efficiency Fund took part in the 4th REBUILD UKRAINE 2024 International Exhibition and Conference, which brought together leading specialists from the energy, construction and sustainable development sectors. As part of the event, a panel discussion was held under the title “Green reconstruction of Ukrainian communities: key lessons from the restoration projects of 2023-2024”. Among the participants of the event was Yehor Fareniuk, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Fund, who shared his experience of implementing energy-efficient and climate-friendly initiatives in Ukraine.
Yehor Fareniuk spoke about the importance of sustainable recovery of Ukrainian communities, especially the housing sector. The EEF is actively working on “green restoration” programs, in particular, through the “VidnovyDIM” Program, which, with the support of the EU, finances the restoration of damaged residential buildings, covering 100% of the renovation costs. This initiative helps owners of high-rise buildings to restore housing that was damaged by military aggression.
Another important area of work is the “GreenDIM” Program, which stimulates the installation of solar power plants on the roofs of high-rise buildings, where the EEF compensates 70% of the cost of the equipment. This solution contributes to the energy supply of houses during blackouts and enables residents to receive heat, water and lighting, and in the future to significantly save energy resources. He also emphasized that such innovative projects not only meet the basic needs of citizens, but also contribute to the movement towards energy independence of Ukraine.
“Thanks to the support of international partners and donors, we have been helping active HOAs implement energy-efficient measures and restore damaged housing for more than 5 years. If we talk about the large scale, then: grants, involvement of communities and local authorities, cheap long loans – this is a triangle that can be used to scale the implementation of energy efficiency. Besides, communication at the state level regarding the need to increase the energy efficiency of housing is of utmost importance, without this, scaling and implementation of projects is simply impossible,” comments Yehor Fareniuk, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Fund.
Moreover, the panelists discussed the reconstruction of Ukrainian communities after the war, as well as the challenges that arise in the process of infrastructure reconstruction.
During the discussion, a number of important issues were raised, including: green and climate-friendly projects for rebuilding communities, successful and unsuccessful examples of infrastructure rehabilitation and innovative solutions for the energy sector, buildings and infrastructure. Green reconstruction of Ukrainian communities requires not only innovative approaches, but also a comprehensive vision of sustainable development. The participants noted that the key to successful reconstruction is a partnership between state authorities, local communities, business and international organizations. It is particularly important to exchange experience and study the practices of countries that have already taken successful steps in the direction of sustainable development.
The panel discussion at REBUILD UKRAINE 2024 became a platform for a meaningful exchange of experiences and opinions between representatives of various sectors striving to build a sustainable and prosperous Ukraine. The integration of green solutions into the reconstruction process will contribute not only to improving the quality of life, but also to ensuring the long-term development and independence of Ukrainian communities.