Study: Three-quarters of Czech state buildings are energy-inefficient; state could save

Three-quarters of state buildings are energy-inefficient, and the state could save up to 20 billion crowns a year on energy costs at current prices by operating them more efficiently. This is according to a study by Deloitte. Experts are therefore calling for an interministerial working group to address the introduction of an energy-efficient state by removing administrative barriers, the Modern Energy Union said.

Central government institutions own 770 buildings, 572 of which fail to meet energy standards under EU rules. Buildings and their operation consume around 40 percent of all energy, experts say.

Experts say the main problems lie in administrative barriers to implementing certain energy-saving measures. The union pointed out that these prevent state agencies from, for example, using the energy performance contracting (EPC) model, under which savings are guaranteed directly in the contract, with the supplier paying the difference if they are not achieved.

„We need to come up with measures that will help us make systemic, long-term improvements. We need an energy-efficient state so that we do not waste public funds unnecessarily,“ Chamber of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová (TOP 09) said at a seminar on energy savings today.