On 26-30 November 2018, 26 specialists in the field of energy efficiency (EE) had a study visit to the Czech Republic, to successful projects implemented in the field of EE in public buildings. It aimed to familiarize the participants with good practices and lessons learned in the implementation of energy efficiency projects in public buildings and gain knowledge for applying of these.

The members of the delegation from Republic of Moldova were project managers in the field of EE, representatives of beneficiary schools included in EU-funded EE projects, representatives of Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), Energy Efficiency Agency (EEA), Technical University of Moldova and advisors of the "Modernization of Local Public Services in the Republic of Moldova" project, implemented by the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Mr Petru Langa, the director of "Mihai Eminescu" Theoretical Lyceum in Ungheni: "I think that the study visit in the Czech Republic has reached its goal. We learned from the colleagues abroad advanced energy efficiency experience. We got acquainted with certain challenges which they faced in the project implementation process, which will allow us to bypass them. I am sure that the experience gained as well as the opportunity to communicate with our colleagues from the Czech Republic will be of real use in successful implementation of our projects.

Mrs Irina Morari, specialist in project development, implementation and monitoring at the RDA Centre: "We got acquainted with the legislative aspects, technologies and solutions for streamlining buildings, finalized projects and financing programs available in the Czech Republic. All good practices could serve as a solution in the implementation of energy efficiency projects in public buildings in the Republic of Moldova, projects funded from EU sources and from national funds."

Mr Virgiliu Mindru, specialist at the EEA: "The event seemed quite interesting and constructive. We have learned new things that we should implement in the Republic of Moldova. Pilot projects implemented by them are a good example for us. We will also do our best to avoid the challenges and not to repeat the mistakes made by Czech colleagues."

Mrs Ludmila Vîrlan, TUM: "The session at the Construction Academy and Research Centre for EE of the buildings were very impressive. The laboratories of the Technical University in Prague are an example for future specialists in this field. As a result of this visit, at the TU, we can provide examples of the methods and techniques used to build an energy-efficient building in the Republic of Moldova within the EE modules for project managers."

The participants were able to go to documentary visits at the Academy of Construction in Prague, the Czech Energy Efficiency Agency, the Kindergarten with Passive Energy standards in Slivenec and other destinations. Within these destinations, the Moldovan delegation met with Czech experts and architects who made presentations and talked about the legal framework issues regarding the energy efficiency objectives of public buildings, the historical aspects of the energy efficiency sector in the Czech Republic, strategic energy efficiency planning of the buildings, cities and smart buildings, the EE grant system, national grants and EU funds.

The study visit was organized and financially supported within the "Modernizing of Local Public Services in the Republic of Moldova" (MLPS) project, implemented by the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ).

************

The "Modernization of Local Public Services in the Republic of Moldova" (MLPS) project is implemented by the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ) in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment of the Republic of Moldova and financially supported by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), European Union, Government of Romania, Government of Sweden and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).