Ukraine: More know-how about energy efficiency and suitable funding

The Ukrainian Energy Efficiency Fund (EEF) launches a cooperation with universities to implement a training programme for ‘Energy Auditors’.

In April 2019, 34 universities from all over Ukraine started a cooperation with the Ukrainian EEF and the Ukrainian Ministry of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Municipal Economy (MinRegion) to implement a training programme for ‘energy auditors’.

The programme is aimed at strengthening their didactic skills and technical knowledge. The energy efficiency know-how of fully-trained energy auditors is of primary importance in ensuring the quality of future EEF-supported, multi-family dwelling renovations – and making sure that the targeted energy savings are achieved. Energy auditors also play a central role as advisors to condominium owners’ associations on how to apply for financial support from the EEF.

The Ukrainian government established the EEF in 2018, with the support of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU). The fund targeted the subsidising of renovations in the building sector and the exploitation of the great potential for savings in Ukraine, since better thermal insulation and modern heating systems mean that the modernised Ukrainian residential buildings consume less energy and reduce energy costs for private households.

Since most condominium owners do not have the financial means for such construction measures, the fund provides subsidies. The state profits because it no longer has to raise and manage as many energy-related social subsidies. The Fund for Energy Efficiency is financed by Ukrainian, German and European funds. Germany has contributed a total of €20 million since 2018.

The cooperation was launched during a conference at the Kiev Polytechnic Institute, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Hennadij Subko and Julia Holovatyuk-Unguryanu, Managing Director of the EEF.

Up to 70 members of the partner universities will take part in the new training programme developed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of BMU. The programme is run along the lines of the ‘Train the Trainer’ concept, where experts learn which methods and pedagogical means enable them to pass on their specialist knowledge in the most efficient way. The trained faculty members will then have the necessary skills to offer the programme independently at their respective universities in the future, enabling them to train more energy auditors.

Training of energy auditors with the 'train the trainer' concept; Photo: Shutterstock/Ivan SmukThe first course starts in June and lasts for two weeks, followed by four more such courses during the course of the year. The trainees are divided into five groups. The trained faculty members of each university will be subsequently supported in setting up similar training programmes at their universities. GIZ will provide the universities with training materials, general advice, establishment support and the technical equipment needed for the training courses.

Upon completion of this programme, a total of up to 350 energy auditors will receive their accreditation, which is a prerequisite for issuing energy certificates. Successful graduates of the general training and applicants who are already qualified energy auditors will receive further training in hazardous substances, the assessment, testing and certification of buildings and the implementation of measures. They will also acquire specific knowledge about the EEF and condominium owners’ associations.