REGION OF IMPLEMENTATION 

Maryina Gorka, Pukhovichi district, Minsk region

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TOPICS

Technology and Innovation
Environmental sustainability and resource management
Social development
Housing and urban environment

CONTENTS OF THE ACTIVITY

Since 2014, on the basis of the SOS Children’s Village Maryina Gorka, initiatives have been implemented to improve energy efficiency, aimed at achieving the following tasks: implementation of autonomous photovoltaic stations and wind generators to reduce energy costs and educational programs to promote energy saving and increase awareness of renewable energy sources among children and adults.

KEY STEPS OF IMPLEMENTATION:

• Carrying out technical modernization. The activities took place in two stages and included the selection of effective methods to reduce energy consumption, the purchase of the necessary energy equipment, its installation, launch and monitoring of the efficiency of renewable energy sources. As part of the first stage (2014-2017), photovoltaic panels were successfully installed and launched and a number of energy saving measures were carried out. The second stage (2020-2022) focuses on further development and optimization of the renewable energy system – installation of wind generators and additional photovoltaic systems.
• Environmental education. Steps on environmental education included holding thematic holidays, meetings with experts, seminars, quizzes and other events on the topics of energy saving and ecology, and the possibilities of using renewable sources. These events played a key role in raising awareness and developing practical skills among different age groups and socially vulnerable families of the children’s village.

RESULTS AND IMPACT OF THE INITIATIVE

The photovoltaic panels that were put into operation provided energy production of at least 21,000 kWh. The implementation of energy-efficient solutions of the second stage made it possible to generate an additional 11,000 kWh of energy annually.

Due to a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions, an environmental effect was obtained from the use of renewable energy sources.

Thanks to the combined use of energy-efficient technologies at SOS Children’s Village Maryina Gorka, annual energy costs reduced by up to 40% for individual buildings.

Increased the level of knowledge about possibilities of using alternative energy sources and energy saving skills in everyday life among children, staff, specialists of care institutions, and the local community.

Saving energy costs made it possible to expand the capabilities and improve the quality of services provided in the children’s village.

Information sources:

1. gorka.by
2. gorka.by
3. sos-villages.by
4. sos-villages.by