LocationsBetter Working Conditions for Employees of the City Administration of Čapljina, a More Comfortable and Pleasant Space for Citizens
December 22, 2025
Through the implementation of energy efficiency measures at the building of the City Administration of Čapljina, heating costs have been reduced, infrastructure modernized, and working conditions for employees improved, as well as the overall quality of services provided to citizens.
City Administration Building of the City of Čapljina
“We have obtained a modern, stable, and cost-effective heating system that will serve employees and citizens visiting the City Administration for decades,”
says Marija Proleta, Expert Associate in the Department for Local Economic Development and EU Integration.
The modernization of the heating system in the City Administration building of Čapljina was implemented through joint investment by the Municipality of Čapljina and the Environmental Protection Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support of UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through the project “Scaling-Up Investment in Low-Carbon Public Buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (LowCarbon), financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), UNDP provided technical support and co-financed 20 percent of the total investment value, contributing to improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and more sustainable long-term management of public buildings.
Zgrada Gradske uprave Grada Čapljine
“The entire boiler room was replaced, old and energy-inefficient equipment was removed, new heating installations were installed, new heating bodies were fitted, system adjustments and final testing were carried out, and system safety and durability were improved,” explains Marija Proleta.
She believes that the sense of reliability and quality of everyday work in the City Administration building has significantly improved, while the aesthetic effects are also notable:
“Previously, we faced frequent temperature fluctuations, breakdowns, and inefficient operation of the old system, whereas today we enjoy full comfort. The aesthetic effects are also very noticeable, especially since heating bodies are the most visible part of the system. Replacing old radiators with new, modern, and neat elements has brought visible refreshment to the space. The new heating bodies are more discreet, with clean lines, and significantly more aesthetically pleasing than the old models. As a result, offices and corridors now have a tidier, more modern appearance.”
Marija Proleta, Expert Associate in the Department for Local Economic Development and EU Integration
In its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina explicitly recognizes the potential of public sector buildings to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Public buildings are identified as the sector with the highest potential for cost-effective energy savings in BiH, ranging from 20 to 60 percent, something that will also apply to the City Administration building of Čapljina after the implemented energy measures:
“Thanks to the new boiler room, modern installations, and more efficient heating bodies, the overall energy efficiency of the system has increased by 30 to 40 percent. This means more stable temperatures in all rooms, faster heating, and significantly lower heat losses. Compared to previous consumption, we estimate that heating costs will be reduced by 25 to 35 percent annually, although exact figures will be known only after the first year of use,”
says Maja Vidić-Gaže, Head of the Budget and Treasury Department of the City of Čapljina.
She adds that the difference between the old and the new system is noticeable on a daily basis:
“The temperature is now stable and comfortable throughout the entire working day. There are no longer sudden heat fluctuations or the need for additional heating or ventilation to achieve optimal temperature. The air in the building is more pleasant, with less humidity and fewer cold zones, which is also reflected in the overall work morale of employees.”
Maja Vidić-Gaže, Head of the Budget and Treasury Department of the City of Čapljina
The Mayor of Čapljina, Iva Raguž, says that a pleasant working environment has a positive impact on morale and increases overall efficiency:
“Employees are extremely satisfied because they now work in more comfortable conditions, are less burdened by technical problems, and can fully focus on their daily tasks. Thanks to the automation of the heating system, city services have fewer administrative and technical maintenance obligations, leaving more time for other important tasks,” she says, adding that reactions to the new heating system have been very positive:
“The most common comments we receive are that the temperature is finally stable and evenly distributed throughout the entire building, and that the overall air conditions are more pleasant and healthier. Citizens who come to the City Administration also notice the improvements. We often hear remarks that the space is significantly warmer and more comfortable than before, and that waiting areas and offices are now much more pleasant.”
In addition to the direct effects visible within the building itself, Mayor Iva Raguž emphasizes that increasing energy efficiency is extremely important for the functioning of any local community “today more than ever”:
“This is not just a technical or economic issue, but a strategic investment in the future of the city and the quality of life of its residents.”
Iva Raguž, Mayor of Čapljina
Through this project, she explains, greater energy efficiency and reliability of the heating system have been ensured, working conditions for employees and the quality of services for citizens have been improved, and the replacement of the existing system is part of the broader strategy of the City of Čapljina aimed at sustainable development and reducing harmful emissions.
“Through projects like this, we contribute to environmental protection and the fulfillment of European energy efficiency standards, which is important at both the local and regional levels. Applying for this project enabled us, with the support of external funds, to implement important infrastructure interventions without additional burden on the citizens’ budget. For this reason, we consider this project a significant step forward toward a more modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible public administration,”
says Mayor Iva Raguž.
She adds that the successful implementation of this project has motivated them to consider similar actions to improve energy efficiency in other public buildings in the City of Čapljina.
The goal of the LowCarbon project is to remove financial barriers to increased investment in public buildings, contributing to reduced CO₂ emissions, generating savings, creating new “green” jobs, and supporting the country’s economic development.
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