More than 100 representatives of local communities, public institutions and other relevant stakeholders from across Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in information sessions dedicated to the Energy Service Company (ESCO) energy efficiency model, held in seven cities throughout the country within the framework of the EU co-funded project “EU4EnergyEfficiency” project and the UN Portfolio “Support to the Accelerated Green Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina”.

The information sessions were organised in Bijeljina, Banja Luka, Mostar, Trebinje, Zenica, Bihać and Sarajevo, with the aim of presenting the opportunities offered by the ESCO model for improving the energy efficiency of public buildings without the need for upfront public sector investment.

During the sessions, participants were introduced to the basic principles of the ESCO model, examples of successfully implemented projects, as well as the conditions and criteria of the Public Call for ESCO projects.
The ESCO model represents one of the key mechanisms for improving energy efficiency of public buildings, enabling the modernisation of schools, hospitals, administrative buildings and other public infrastructure through investments that are repaid from achieved energy savings. This approach contributes to reducing energy costs, improving the quality of public services and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, while simultaneously supporting the green transition goals of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The strong interest shown by participants once again confirmed the growing need of local communities for concrete financing mechanisms supporting sustainable infrastructure and energy transition efforts.
The Public Call for ESCO projects, launched on 26 February 2026, officially closed on 11 May 2026. The next phase will include the evaluation of submitted applications and the selection of projects that will contribute to improve energy efficiency of public buildings across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The selected projects are expected to generate long-term energy and financial savings, improve the quality of public services and contribute to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Through the EU co-funded project “EU4EnergyEfficiency”, public institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina have access to technical and financial support for the preparation and implementation of energy efficiency measures through the ESCO model. Selected projects may receive financing for the development of ESCO feasibility studies, support in the preparation of tender documentation, as well as investment support of up to BAM 80,000 per project. This approach enables the launch of energy renovation projects with expert support and without the need for significant upfront investment, while generating long-term benefits for public institutions, citizens and the environment.

The EU4EnergyEfficiency project is funded by the European Union for a total amount of EUR 6 million and lasting until end of 2028. It is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Czech Development Agency (CzDA). 

The activities of the EU co-funded project complement the objectives of the UN Portfolio “Catalysing the Green Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina” (GTP), an initiative focused on accelerating the green transition through decarbonization, pollution reduction, nature and biodiversity protection, and the development of a circular economy. The GTP Portfolio is a joint United Nations initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, co-chaired by the UN Resident Coordinator and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support and strategic partnership of Sweden and the Government of Switzerland.