The amount of energy used by modern society is increasing every day. Improving the energy efficiency of multi-apartment buildings (MKB) is one of the important challenges of the 21st century. The maximum impact of energy savings can be obtained through joint efforts by countries, management companies, and homeowners.
What is energy efficiency and energy saving
Current trends in energy saving drive innovation in energy saving. According to Federal Law No. 261, signed on 23 November 2009, energy efficiency is the ratio of the benefits derived from the use of resources to the costs required to acquire them.
Energy saving is a set of measures, the purpose of which is the efficiency and economic use of energy resources. The main indicator of the energy efficiency of multi-apartment residential buildings must meet the legal requirements that apply in this area.
Energy efficiency laws for residential buildings
Actions to improve building energy efficiency are governed by the following rules:
- Ministry of Economic Development Order No. 61 on February 17, 2010, which approved a sequence of actions aimed at improving energy efficiency
- Ministry of Construction Order No. 98 dated 15 February 2017, which approved a list of actions to promote energy saving and more efficient use of resources in apartment buildings
This command specifies a list of actions to increase energy efficiency in apartment buildings. Order No. 98 sets the principle of assigning energy efficiency classes to apartment buildings. This determines the rationale for spending the resources needed to maintain the facility. Overall, both documents make it possible to define a list of energy-saving measures, disseminating them according to cost level and resource type.
Energy saving measures, according to the order of the Ministry of Construction No. 98
Energy saving programs recommended by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Utilities can be broken down according to the type of resources used.
The results of the activities carried out must have the greatest impact. When all the priority requirements for energy efficiency are met at home, the second stage of activity is done. Their implementation is also very important. The sequence of activities is determined for technical and financial reasons.
It is recommended to implement the following steps to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
Hot and hot water supply system
First of all, the following activities are performed in hot and cold water supply systems:
- balancing valve installation
- balances the heating system
- flush heating pipes
- installation of meters to measure the use of hot water and heat in the home and in each apartment
Second, they implement:
- installation of individual heating points
- heat exchanger installation
- system installation designed for automatic control of heating and hot water
- replacement pipeline
- reinforcement replacement
- thermal insulation of pipelines in basements and attics, as well as in public areas
- installation of valves for thermoregulation on heating devices
- shut-off valve installation
- installation and modernization of pumps designed to ensure water circulation in hot water supply systems
Power supply and lighting system
First of all they implement:
- installation of electric meters of houses and apartments
- installation of energy-saving lamps in areas intended for general use
Second, they implement:
- dimming settings in automatic mode
- electric motor replacement; driver installation to provide frequency control
Doors, windows, roofs and walls
First of all they implement:
- closure, insulation and sealing of entrances
- installation of doors and dampers in basements and attics; sealing and window sealing located in public areas
Second, they implement:
- install heat-reflecting film on windows
- install low emission glass in the driveway
- replaces old windows and doors with energy efficient ones
- insulation of floors and walls in basements and attics
- roof insulation
- joints between panels
- wall insulation
- loggias and glass balconies
- reduction of losses in air conditioning and ventilation systems due to air damper installation
Preparation of energy saving program. Estimating costs and savings
Energy Saving Program is a document based on the requirements of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 261, which explains the principles of energy saving and energy efficiency. The energy saving program plan includes the following steps:
- object data collection
- express check to building
- energy audit to determine potential energy savings and reserves
- formation of activity list to increase MKD energy consumption class
- specifies the cost required to execute the plan
- calculates savings in natural and monetary terms
- calculates the repayment period of the planned energy saving measure
- funding source selection
- selection of people responsible for the implementation of measures aimed at energy consumption by way of savings
- development of actions for the implementation of planned activities
- filling, registration and approval of energy saving programs
Programs to improve home energy efficiency targets:
- takes into account the individual characteristics of each MKD
- meets certain energy-saving requirements
- specifies a specific plan to achieve the required level of energy efficiency
- contains methods to rationally reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency
- takes into account the available finances
- makes the most of building energy potential
The main result of the implementation of the program developed is to reduce costs and energy consumption. This allows savings to be directed to activity areas with higher priority. Reimbursement of developed activity can be determined by a person using calculations:
- moderate repayment period
- discount refund period
- profit ratio
- Internal Return Rate
- net current value
- Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Thermal imaging surveys allow you to assess building energy efficiency classes, and determine how efficiently the use of heat and electricity in the home. Such surveys are included in the energy audit complex. Based on the results obtained, the energy certificate for MKD is issued.
Improved building energy efficiency by apartment owners
Apartment owners can also improve the energy efficiency of the building. This will result in energy savings, therefore, the cost of utility bills will decrease. For this it is recommended:
- protects doors and window openings
- install the second front door if the entrance is very cold
- install a heat shield on the back of the radiator
- remove the decorative grille from the battery, if any
- do not cover the radiator with curtains
- replace the old radiator with a new one
- to polish loggias and balconies
- saves electricity
- save water
The use of these measures will save energy costs by 30-40% without any special costs without reducing the quality of life.
Who are the perpetrators and where do they get their money from
The management organization is responsible for the maintenance of housing stock. Therefore, he is the executor of the work to improve the energy efficiency of MKD. The source of financing is the payment made by the occupants of the house for the maintenance of the residence. Part of the work can be done under a civil law contract.
The management organization reserves the right to pay the total cost of energy saving measures under contracts as payment for the maintenance of residential premises, having previously signed an agreement with the owner on the implementation of employment.
The capital improvement program under the Fund for the Promotion of Housing and Utilities Reform Promotion (FRS) program, without fail includes measures to improve energy efficiency and energy savings in apartment blocks, at the expense of funds.
Low cost intervention in apartment buildings
Houses that operate in energy-saving mode use far fewer resources. Energy saving technology can be implemented even through low cost activities. To do this, follow:
- Flush the heating system
- protects the driveway
- install the door cover
- study the heating system
- install a heat shield on the back of the radiator
- install a heating regulator that allows you to adjust the cooling temperature depending on the air temperature in the room
Energy efficiency measures in buildings that require large investments
Technical and large-scale events are expensive, but they increase the energy efficiency of a building. These include:
- installation of modern windows with high heat resistance
- install a new radiator
- increased individual heating points
- selection of energy efficient heating boilers
- automation of loading and operating processes of heating boilers
- general area insulation
- implementation of modern thermal insulation on pipelines
- installation of variable speed drives in water supply and drainage systems
- installation of variable frequency drives on pumping equipment
- replaces the old power grid with a new one
Energy efficient repair can significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, it is advisable to periodically monitor and analyze new modern technologies that increase energy efficiency and, if possible, practice it. All these measures help save a significant amount of resources spent on the maintenance of apartment buildings.