Old department store owned by the municipality and 2 private companies was energy refurbished by EPC for 15 years.
The building is an old department store, built in 1980 in the centre of the Municipality of Radlje ob Dravi. The building was not maintained, operating costs were too high, living and working conditions were sub-optimal.
The three owners tried for a long time to find the right solution and they managed to partly refurbish it but they had limited funds to complete. However, they were able to make an agreement between themselves (Municipality of Radlje ob Dravi, private cafe and bank) to use an EPC model. After many meetings they decided to go ahead with an energy refurbishment, and once completed, to move the public library to the building and to keep the cafe and add a small new shop.
All owners made the agreement to finance the energy refurbishment with EPC and the municipality took the lead. The documentation was prepared, and there was a public call for an energy service provider (ESCO). Once chosen, the owners made a 15 year agreement to finance the refurbishment with the savings. The work was finalized in December 2017. The owners meet regularly and check the savings and operation conditions and discuss about open questions. ENERGAP played the role of intermediate body to lead the cooperation because as an energy and financial expert, we understood what was needed from both the ESCO and the owners.
Resources needed
€1m investment for refurbishment from ESCO, €20, 000 for documentation and coordination.
Evidence of success
Energy and money savings, better living and working conditions, regular cooperation between the owners (municipality, a bank and cafe), nice looking building in the city centre.
Difficulties encountered
Achieve the agreement about technical and financial conditions and cooperation for 15 years project. It was a challenge to combine public and private users but with many discussions and educational activities we were able to overcome it.
Potential for learning or transfer
Yes, about how to approach private sector to cooperate in EPC projects.
