The potential of energy communities of citizens in smart construction
Long story short:
The potential of energy communities of citizens is significantly greater, especially in the field of construction, i.e. adaptation of existing and construction of new residential buildings.
Main Content:
The potential of energy communities of citizens in smart construction
By definition, Citizens’ Energy Communities are collective initiatives of citizens, local governments and companies that jointly produce, share and use energy from renewable sources. Their goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, fight against climate change and improve energy efficiency at the local level.
However, as the application in practice shows, the potential of energy communities of citizens is significantly greater, especially in the field of construction, i.e. adaptation of existing and construction of new residential buildings. It is very important that citizens and owners of housing units get involved in the planning of renovation, adaptation and construction of new buildings in the context of the choice of materials, architectural solutions, construction works around facades, roofs, common rooms, parking spaces, common lighting, courtyards, because the potential for renewable forms of energy, energy efficiency, joint investments that can generate income for maintaining and improving the quality of life and the environment opens up.
Since in Montenegro the story of the establishment of energy communities of citizens is in its infancy, it should be accepted as an incentive for everyone who recognizes the possibilities of applying good practices such as we have in developed countries.
One of the ideas that we have recognized in the Ecological Movement “Ozone” is the space that is opened up through spatial planning documents, where, by receiving timely information, citizens’ energy communities would also have the space to take into account existing infrastructure, such as the organization of traffic, existing business entities, so that, for example, the production of electric energy could be recognized and valorized. facilities, invest in social entrepreneurship…
An example of good practice is the project of the European URBACT network Cities 4 Co-Housing, which deals with the development of innovative and sustainable models of shared and affordable housing, where the local community of Stara Varoš in the municipality of Nikšić is also a partner. As part of the project, a study of the feasibility of building solar panels on residential buildings was carried out.
The study represents an important step towards the development of sustainable and energy-efficient housing communities in Montenegro on financing opportunities, regulatory frameworks and technical solutions.
Impact on Industry:
It is very important that the legal framework, but also the local administration and the economy, especially the Electricity Company of Montenegro (EPCG), recognize the potential of energy communities of citizens for sustainable partnerships, which would affect a healthier environment and the quality of life and health of people.
Conclusion:
It is necessary to interest citizens in the formation of energy communities, to work on education, to organize study visits in order to see for themselves the benefits of local communities that have managed to put initiatives into action.
