The amount of energy consumed by modern society is increasing every day. Improving the energy efficiency of multi-apartment buildings (MKBs) is one of the major challenges of the 21st century. The maximum effect of energy saving can be achieved through the joint efforts of the state, management companies and residents of the houses.
What is energy efficiency and energy savings
Current trends in energy conservation are driving innovation in energy conservation. According to Federal Law No. 261, signed on November 23, 2009, energy efficiency is the ratio between the benefits derived from the use of resources and the costs necessary to obtain them.
Energy saving is a set of measures aimed at efficiency and economy in the use of energy resources. The main energy efficiency indicators of multi-apartment residential buildings must meet the requirements of applicable laws in this area.
Energy efficiency legislation for residential buildings
Actions to improve the energy efficiency of buildings are governed by the following regulations:
- Order of the Ministry of Economic Development No. 61 of February 17, 2010, which approved an approximate sequence of actions aimed at improving energy efficiency
- Order of the Ministry of Construction No. 98 of February 15, 2017, which approved a list of actions to promote energy savings and more efficient use of resources in apartment buildings
These decrees define a list of actions to improve the energy efficiency of a residential building. Ordinance No. 98 specifies the principle of attributing energy efficiency classes to residential buildings. It determines the rationality of the expenditure of the resources necessary for the maintenance of the installation. Taken together, the two documents make it possible to determine a list of energy saving measures, breaking them down by cost level and by type of resource.
Energy saving measures, in accordance with the decree of the Ministry of Construction No. 98
The energy saving program recommended by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities can be broken down according to the types of resources used.
The result of the activities carried out in the first place should give the greatest effect. When all the priority energy efficiency requirements are met in the house, the second stage of activities is carried out. Their implementation is also very important. The order of activities is determined for technical and financial reasons.
It is proposed to implement the following measures to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
Heating and hot water supply system
First of all, the following activities are carried out in the hot and cold water supply system:
- installation of balancing valves
- heating system balancing
- flushing the heating pipes
- installation of meters for the metering of hot water and heat consumption at home and in each apartment
Second, they perform:
- installation of an individual heating point
- installation of the heat exchanger
- installation of a system designed for automatic control of heating and hot water
- hose replacement
- reinforcement replacement
- thermal insulation of pipes in basements and attics, as well as in common areas
- installation of thermoregulation valves on heating devices
- installation of shut-off valves
- installation and modernization of pumps designed to ensure the recirculation of water in hot water supply systems
Power supply and lighting system
First of all, they do:
- installation of common electricity meters for houses and apartments
- installation of energy-saving lamps in places intended for general use
Second, they perform:
- dimming adjustment in automatic mode
- replacement of electric motors; installation of variators to ensure frequency control
Doors, windows, roof and walls
First of all, they do:
- closing, insulation and sealing of entrance doors
- installation of doors and registers in basements and attics; waterproofing and sealing of windows located in common areas
Second, they perform:
- installation of heat-reflecting films on windows
- installation of low-emissivity glass in aisles
- replacing old windows and doors with energy efficient windows
- insulation of floors and walls of basement and attic
- roof insulation
- gaskets between panels
- wall insulation
- glazing of loggias and balconies
- reduction of losses in the air conditioning and ventilation system by installing air dampers
Preparation of an energy saving program. Estimate of costs and savings
The Energy Saving Program is a document based on the requirements of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 261, which describes the principles of energy saving and energy efficiency. The energy saving program plan includes the following steps:
- object data collection
- express building inspection
- energy audit to determine the available potential and energy saving reserves
- forming a list of activities in order to increase the energy consumption class of MKD
- determine the costs necessary to implement the plan
- calculation of estimated savings in natural and monetary value
- calculation of the payback period of planned energy saving measures
- selection of funding sources
- selection of persons responsible for implementing measures to reduce energy consumption
- development of actions for the implementation of planned activities
- filling, registering and approving the energy saving program
Program to improve domestic energy efficiency targets:
- takes into account the individual characteristics of each MKD
- meets specific energy conservation needs
- defines a specific plan to achieve the required level of energy efficiency
- contains methods to rationally reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiency
- takes into account available finances
- makes the best use of the energy potential of the building
The main result of the implementation of the developed program is to reduce costs and energy consumption. This allows savings to be directed to higher priority areas of activity. The return on investment of the activities developed can be determined by one using the calculation:
- simple payback
- reduced payback period
- profitability ratio
- Internal rate of return
- net present value
- Life Cycle Cost Analysis
The thermal imaging survey allows you to assess the energy efficiency class of a building and establish the efficiency of heat and electricity consumption in the house. Such a survey is included in the energy audit complex. Based on the results obtained, an energy certificate for MKD is issued.
Improving the energy efficiency of buildings by apartment owners
Apartment owners can also improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This will lead to energy savings, hence the cost of electricity bills will decrease. For this, it is recommended:
- insulate doors and window openings
- install a second front door if the entrance is very cold
- install heat shields behind radiators
- remove decorative grids from the stacks, if applicable
- do not cover radiators with curtains
- replace old radiators with new ones
- to varnish loggias and balconies
- save electricity
- save water
The adoption of these measures will save 30 to 40% on energy costs without any particular cost without reducing the quality of life.
Who is the artist and where the money comes from
The management body is responsible for the maintenance of the housing stock. It is therefore she who is the executor of the work to improve the energy efficiency of MKD. The source of funding is the payment made by the residents of the house for the maintenance of the living quarters. Part of the work can be carried out under a civil law contract.
The management body has the right to contribute the amount of the costs of energy saving measures within the framework of the contractual contract as payment for the maintenance of the residential premises, after having previously signed aagreement with the owners on the execution of the work.
The fixed asset repair programs under the Reform Promotion Fund (FRS) program for housing and utilities, without fail include measures to improve energy efficiency and save energy resourcesin apartment buildings, at the expense of the fund.
Low-cost interventions in apartment buildings
A house operating in energy saving mode consumes much less resources. Energy saving technologies can be implemented even in low cost activities. To do this, follow:
- Flush the heating system
- isolate the aisles
- install door closers
- examine the heating system
- install heat shields behind radiators
- install heating regulators that allow you to regulate the temperature of the coolant according to the temperature of the air in the room
Energy efficiency measures in buildings requiring large investments
Technical and large-scale events are expensive, but they improve the energy efficiency of a building much more. These include:
- installation of modern windows with high thermal resistance
- installation of new radiators
- improvement of individual heating points
- selection of energy efficient boilers
- automation of the process of loading and operating heating boilers
- insulation of common areas
- execution of modern thermal insulation on pipelines
- installation of a variable speed drive in water supply and drainage systems
- installation of a frequency converter on pumping equipment
- replacing old electricity grids with new ones
An energy efficient overhaul can significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, it is recommended to regularly monitor and analyze new modern technologies that increase energy efficiency and, if possible, put them into practice. All these measures significantly save the amount of resources spent on the maintenance of apartment buildings.