The energy efficiency of government buildings is strategically important for Ukraine. It is the basis for reducing energy consumption, improving employee comfort and ensuring the longevity of buildings. This guidance is intended for government managers and energy managers who play a key role in implementing energy efficiency solutions in the public sector.

This guidance ‘Energy Modernisation of Public Buildings: Experience of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine’, is designed for decision-makers and energy managers in public authorities who play a key role in implementing energy efficiency solutions in the public sector.

The energy efficiency of public authority buildings is strategically important for Ukraine. It is the basis for reducing energy consumption, improving employee comfort and ensuring the longevity of buildings.

The implementation of energy efficiency measures is a key condition for compliance with the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. Ukraine has committed itself to implementing the provisions of this Directive, as enshrined in the Law of Ukraine ‘On Energy Efficiency’ No. 1818-IX of 21 October 2021.

According to Article 3 of this Law, state policy in the field of energy efficiency is aimed at reducing energy consumption, increasing the competitiveness of the economy and fulfilling Ukraine’s international obligations. One of the key instruments for implementing energy efficiency policy is the use of energy management systems, which is regulated by Article 12 of this Law, as well as by Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine ‘On the Implementation of Energy Management Systems’ No. 1460 of 23 December 2012.

In addition, the Law of Ukraine “On Energy Efficiency of Buildings” No. 2118-VIII of 22 June 2017 defines the exemplary role of public authorities in relation to the energy efficiency of buildings (Article 15-2), mandatory certification of the energy efficiency of buildings (Article 7) and the implementation of energy management systems to ensure the energy efficiency of buildings of state authorities (Article 12-1).

Thus, public authorities are required to implement energy management systems that provide for energy consumption analysis, planning and monitoring of the results of energy efficiency measures. This is not only a legal requirement, but also a tool for achieving budget savings and increasing the transparency of resource management.

Managers and energy managers of public authorities are key figures in this process: their decisions determine whether energy efficiency will be a real practice for their institutions or a mere formality.

The implementation of energy efficiency measures brings tangible results: reduced energy costs – savings in budget funds that can be directed to other priorities; increased comfort and safety for employees – an optimal indoor climate; compliance with European standards – an important step towards Ukraine’s integration into the EU. The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine already has successful experience in implementing energy management and energy modernisation of buildings.

This guide is designed to help other authorities follow this path: understand the key steps, avoid common mistakes and implement best practices in energy modernisation. It contains practical recommendations, examples of successful cases and an overview of tools for effective energy consumption management.

The guide was developed as part of the Power Up: Experience Sharing project, which is being implemented by the Eastern Europe Foundation with the support of the project ‘Promoting Energy Efficiency and Implementation of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive in Ukraine,’ which is being implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German government and co-financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).