LocationsEnergy Renovation of the Economic School in Banja Luka Creates Better Conditions for Over 1,000 Students and Staff
May 29, 2025
Warmer Classrooms, Brighter Future
For years, students and staff at the Public Institution Economic School Banja Luka spent their days learning and sharing knowledge in conditions that did not meet modern standards. Worn-out windows, inefficient radiators, and poor thermal insulation created an uncomfortable environment — cold classrooms in winter, high temperatures in summer, and persistent indoor humidity. These factors negatively affected the quality of education as well as the health and well-being of students and staff, over 70% of whom are women.
The school prior to renovation
For years, students and staff at the Public Institution Economic School Banja Luka spent their days learning and sharing knowledge in conditions that did not meet modern standards. Worn-out windows, inefficient radiators, and poor thermal insulation created an uncomfortable environment — cold classrooms in winter, high temperatures in summer, and persistent indoor humidity. These factors negatively affected the quality of education as well as the health and well-being of students and staff, over 70% of whom are women.
Therefore, the renovation of this school represents not only an infrastructural upgrade but also an example of how investments in energy efficiency directly contribute to dignified, safer, and healthier conditions for work and learning.
Economic School in Banja Luka
The renovation began in 2022 with a key step involving window replacement and the installation of thermostatic valves. Work continued in 2024 with the implementation of thermal insulation, roof repair, and façade reconstruction. A total of BAM 890,000 was invested in modernizing the school.
“The windows were outdated, and heating was often insufficient. The renovation has brought visible and tangible results — classrooms are warmer, brighter, and much more comfortable to stay in. These improved conditions raise both motivation and the quality of teaching,”
emphasized the school director, Sonja Tomaš.
Sonja Tomaš, Director of the Economic School
Economics teacher Aleksandra Samac further highlights the gender dimension of the renovation’s impact:
“A large number of our students and staff are women - 764 in total. Previously, the conditions often negatively affected their health and work capacity. Today, new insulation and better temperature regulation make the workday significantly easier and more pleasant.”
Aleksandra Samac, Economics Teacher
The improvements are also felt in the daily maintenance of the school. “The old windows hardly let in light and moisture lingered for a long time. Now, the space is tidier, easier to maintain, and the roof no longer leaks,”
explained cleaning staff member Milena Miletić.
Milena Miletić, Facility Maintenance Staff
Students also express their satisfaction.
“Now I can focus on classes without distractions from cold or heat. It’s much easier to learn,”
said Marijo Vučić, a student at the school.
Marijo Vučić, Economic School student
Director Tomaš emphasizes that participating in the project is much more than a technical renovation.
“This is proof that education deserves attention, support, and investment. We know we are not alone - there are partners who recognize the importance of investing in young people’s future.”
Through this project, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in BiH, together with national institutions and international partners, works to remove financial and technical barriers preventing public buildings from transitioning to a low-carbon development model. The goal is clear - to reduce CO₂ emissions, increase energy efficiency, lower public costs, and contribute to the creation of green jobs.
Economic School
The energy renovation of the Economic School in Banja Luka is yet another symbol of positive change and a concrete contribution to sustainable development goals - because investing in schools means investing in people, communities, and a more resilient future.
Library of the Economic School
The renovation works were carried out within the Low-Carbon project, “Increasing Investments in Public Buildings with Low Carbon Emissions in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” implemented by the UNDP in BiH with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), in cooperation with the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Civil Engineering, and Ecology of the Republika Srpska.
