Twenty-two municipal public institutions - 14 high schools, five kindergartens and three hospitals -were made more energy efficient and were thermally rehabilitated within an energy efficiency project for public buildings. The total area of institutions is over 180,000 square meters, whereas the number of final beneficiaries of the project amounts to 35,000 people, IPN reports.

According to mayor general Ion Ceban, before the start of the project, the temperature in halls in some of the institutions during the cold period was 15-18 degrees Celsius. Heat was also ensured with electric stoves, air conditioners, boilers. The objective of the project was to reduce by 25% the consumption of heat and electricity, to ensure the standard of interior thermal comfort (22 degrees), but also comfortable lighting, ventilation conditions and health security.

Following the rehabilitation works, the consumption of thermal energy was reduced by 47%, while of electricity - by 45%. The installation of photovoltaic panels, which allowed the institutions to produce electricity, is an innovative moment.

The pioneering project in this field was implemented by the Chisinau City Hall with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank and the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P), with a budget of €25 million (500 million lei), including a grant component of €5 million.