Modern society consumes more energy every day. Improving the energy efficiency of multi-apartment buildings (MKB) is one of the important challenges of the 21st century. Through the joint efforts of the state, management companies and housing residents, the greatest energy saving effect can be obtained.
What is energy efficiency and energy saving
Current energy conservation trends are driving energy conservation innovation. According to Federal Law No. 261, signed on November 23, 2009, energy efficiency refers to the ratio of the benefits obtained from the use of resources to the cost of obtaining resources.
Energy saving is a set of measures aimed at improving the efficiency and economy of energy use. The main indicators of energy efficiency of apartment buildings must meet the requirements of the current laws in the region.
Energy efficiency regulations for residential buildings
Measures to improve building energy efficiency are subject to the following regulations:
- Order No. 61 of February 17, 2010 of the Ministry of Economic Development approved a series of similar actions aimed at improving energy efficiency
- Order No. 98 of the Ministry of Construction on February 15, 2017, which approved a list of actions to promote energy conservation and more efficient use of apartment building resources
These orders define a series of measures to improve the energy efficiency of apartment buildings. Order No. 98 specifies the principles for assigning energy efficiency ratings to MKD. It determines the rationality of the resources required to spend maintenance facilities. Together, these two documents can determine a list of energy-saving measures and allocate them according to cost levels and resource types.
Energy-saving measures, according to Order No. 98 of the Ministry of Construction
The energy saving plan recommended by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities can be broken down by the type of resource used.
The results of the first activity should be the most effective. When all the priority requirements for energy efficiency are met in the house, the second phase of activities will be implemented. Their realization is also very important. The sequence of activities is determined for technical and financial reasons.
The following measures are recommended to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.
Heating and hot water supply system
First, perform the following activities in the heating, cold and hot water supply system:
- Installation of balance valve
- Balanced heating system
- Flush the heating pipe
- Install meters for measuring hot water and calorie consumption in the home and each apartment
Secondly, they execute:
- Install a single heating point
- Installation of heat exchanger
- A system for automatically controlling heating and hot water is installed
- Replacement pipeline
- Replace steel bars
- Thermal insulation of pipes in basements and attics and public areas
- Install temperature control valves on heating equipment
- Install the shut-off valve
- The installation and modern design of the pump are designed to ensure water recirculation in the hot water supply system
Power supply and lighting system
First, they execute:
- Install electric meters for ordinary houses and apartments
- Install energy-saving lamps in general purpose places
Secondly, they execute:
- Set dimming in automatic mode
- Replace motor; install driver to provide frequency control
Doors, windows, roofs and walls
First, they execute:
- Closure, heat insulation and sealing of entrance doors
- Install doors and dampers in basements and attics; seal windows in public areas
Secondly, they execute:
- Install heat reflective film on windows
- Install low-e glass on the driveway
- Replace the old doors and windows with energy-saving doors and windows
- Floor and wall insulation in basements and attic
- Roof insulation
- The sealing joint between the panels
- Wall insulation
- The glass windows of the loggia and balcony
- Reduce the loss of air conditioning and ventilation systems due to the installation of air baffles
Prepare energy saving program. Estimate costs and savings
The Energy Conservation Plan is a document based on the requirements of Article 25 of Federal Law No. 261, which describes the principles of energy conservation and energy efficiency. The energy saving plan includes the following steps:
- Object data collection
- Quick survey of buildings
- Energy audit to determine available potential and energy savings
- Form a list of activities to increase the energy consumption category of MKD
- Determine the cost of implementing the plan
- Calculate the estimated savings in natural and monetary values
- Calculate the payback period of the planned energy-saving measures
- Funding source selection
- Select the person responsible for implementing energy-saving measures aimed at reducing energy consumption
- Develop actions to implement planned activities
- Completion, registration and approval of energy saving plan
Plan to improve household energy efficiency goals:
- Consider the individual characteristics of each MKD
- Meet specific energy saving needs
- defines a specific plan to achieve the required energy efficiency level
- Contains reasonable methods to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency
- Considering available funds
- Make full use of the energy potential of buildings
The main result of implementing the developed plan is to reduce costs and energy consumption. In this way, the money saved can be used for higher priority activities. You can use one of the following methods to determine the return of developed activities:
- Simple payback period
- Preferential payback period
- Profit ratio
- Internal rate of return
- Net Present Value
- Life cycle cost analysis
Thermal imaging surveys allow you to assess the energy efficiency level of a building and determine the efficiency of heat and electricity consumption in the house. Such investigations are included in the energy audit complex. Based on the results obtained, the MKD energy certificate is issued.
Apartment owners improve the energy efficiency of buildings
Apartment owners can also improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This will save energy, so the cost of utility bills will be reduced. For this, it is recommended:
- Isolate door and window openings
- If the entrance is cold, please install a second front door
- Install the heat shield behind the radiator
- Remove the decorative grille from the battery
- Don't cover the radiator with curtains
- Replace the old radiator with a new one
- Glazing loggias and balconies
- Save power
- Save water
Taking these measures will save 30-40% of energy costs without special expenses and will not reduce the quality of life.
Who is the performer and where to get the money
The management organization is responsible for the maintenance of the housing stock. Therefore, she is the executor of improving the energy efficiency of MKD. The source of funds is the payments made by housing residents for repairs to residential premises. Part of the work can be performed in accordance with the civil law contract.
The management organization has the right to pay the cost of energy-saving measures in accordance with the contract to pay for the maintenance of the residential property after signing a work implementation agreement with the owner in advance.
The capital restoration plan under the Housing and Utilities Promotion Reform Fund (FRS) program without exception includes measures to improve energy efficiency and save energy in apartment buildings, but at the cost of the fund.
Low-cost interventions in apartment buildings
Houses running in energy-saving mode consume much less resources. Energy-saving technologies can be implemented even through low-cost activities. To do this, please follow these steps:
- Washing and heating system
- Isolated lane
- Install the door closer
- Check the heating system
- Install the heat shield behind the radiator
- Install a heating regulator so that you can adjust the temperature of the coolant according to the air temperature in the room
Energy-saving measures in buildings that require large investments
Technology and large-scale events are expensive, but they can greatly improve the energy efficiency of buildings. These include:
- Install modern windows with high heat resistance
- Install a new heat sink
- Improve a single heating point
- The choice of energy-saving heating boiler
- Automation of heating boiler loading and working process
- Insulation of common areas
- Perform modern insulation on pipes
- Install variable speed drives in the water supply and drainage system
- Install variable frequency drives on pumping equipment
- Replace the old grid with a new one
Energy saving overhaul can significantly reduce energy consumption. In addition, it is recommended to regularly monitor and analyze modern new technologies that can improve energy efficiency, and put them into practice when possible. All these measures help to save resources for the maintenance of apartment buildings.