Denmark and UNDP Moldova supported the development of energy audits for 25 apartment buildings in Chișinău, Drochia, Orhei, Florești, Soroca and Bălți. The audit reports were officially handed over on 11 August during an event held in Chișinău. 

The audits provide each condominium owners’ association with a detailed technical assessment of its building and a foundation for planning the investments required for energy-efficient renovation. The reports identify the areas where the greatest energy losses occur, the measures that need to be implemented and the potential energy savings. 

For Ana Efros, the administrator of an apartment building on Ioan Vodă Viteazul Street in Chișinău, the energy audit represents the first step towards identifying the most appropriate solutions for the building and attracting the necessary financing. 

“For us, this energy audit was essential, particularly since our association is still at an early stage. The building includes both apartments with individual heating systems and apartments connected to the centralised heating system. We have observed that residents who rely on centralised heating face very high costs during the cold season, and the energy audit was the first step in helping us understand how this issue could be addressed,” says Ana Efros. 

Each building was assessed individually, based on its technical documentation and energy consumption data. The audit process also included on-site visits and measurements carried out using specialised equipment. 

“An energy audit begins with an analysis of the technical data and documentation, followed by the necessary measurements. The building envelope, ventilation systems, lighting in common areas and other energy systems are examined. Based on these findings, measures tailored to each individual building are developed,” explains Galina Verdeș, an energy auditor and scientific researcher in the energy sector, and one of the few women in the Republic of Moldova certified in this field. 

Depending on the condition and specific characteristics of each building, the recommended measures include thermal insulation of exterior walls, roofs and floors; modernisation of heating and ventilation systems; replacement or rehabilitation of windows and exterior doors; improved energy efficiency of lighting systems in common areas; installation of photovoltaic panels; and increased use of renewable energy sources. 

Full implementation of the measures recommended for the 25 buildings could generate average energy savings of approximately 62 per cent. 

The total estimated investment required for the proposed energy-efficiency measures and renewable energy solutions amounts to approximately MDL 432.1 million. Their implementation could also reduce CO₂ emissions by around 5,850 tonnes annually. 

Residents hope that the audits will help attract funding to improve the energy performance of their buildings and, consequently, reduce their energy bills. 

“We have high expectations. We would like our building to look like new and to have lower energy bills. It is not a simple process and it will take time, but it is worth it. As a young family, these investments will contribute both to our financial well-being and to our day-to-day comfort,” says Valeria Patrașcu, a resident of one of the audited apartment buildings in Chișinău.

The audit reports will also serve as tools for accessing financing.

“An energy audit report can help condominium owners’ associations attract investment and access financial support for the implementation of the recommended measures. In practical terms, it is a roadmap that the association can return to whenever it plans renovation works for the building,” notes Galina Verdeș. 

The initiative continues the efforts of UNDP Moldova and its partners to support the energy-efficient renovation of buildings, reduce costs for consumers and strengthen community resilience.

Previously, with the support of UNDP Moldova and the European Union, energy audits were developed for another 25 apartment buildings in Bălți, Chișinău, Strășeni and Ceadîr-Lunga.

Four public institutions in amalgamated localities also benefited from energy audits with the support of UNDP and Slovakia.

In addition, UNDP and Denmark supported the development of energy audits for 10 business incubators. 18 energy audits covering healthcare institutions were conducted with funding provided by the European Union and Italy.