The Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies at VSB-TUO Supports Energy Savings through the EPC Method
These projects help achieve significant reductions in energy consumption and related costs. ERC closely cooperates with the National Development Bank, for example, within the ELENA programme.
One of the largest EPC projects in which CEET, through ERC, has been involved in recent years is expected to save more than CZK 100 million over its implementation period. While the joule is the fundamental energy unit for experts, in everyday life, every unit of saved energy means money saved.
Cooperation with the National Development Bank
“We’ve been working with the Energy Research Centre of CEET at VSB-TUO for several years on the preparation of EPC projects under the ELENA programme. We’re currently continuing with the New ELENA for the Public Sector and New ELENA for Entrepreneurs projects. Our cooperation has resulted in large-scale and complex energy-saving projects that not only reduce energy consumption but also help clients meet strategic goals, such as lowering CO₂ emissions. We’ve found a valuable partner in CEET ERC when it comes to sustainable energy,” said Tomáš Konvička, energy specialist at the National Development Bank.
Reducing CO₂ emissions is one of the European Union’s priority goals, with all member states contributing to its implementation. In the Czech Republic, this goal is addressed through the National Emission Reduction Programme, coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment, currently set for the period until 2030. “The CEET Energy Research Centre significantly contributes to emission, reductions CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, through its technological solution proposals,” added Karel Borovec, Director of the Energy Research Centre.
The EPC Method Explained
Energy Performance Contracting is a comprehensive service that includes the design, preparation, implementation, and financing of energy-saving measures aimed at reducing energy consumption in buildings. The main pillars of EPC projects include:
- Implementation of energy-saving measures – both technological upgrades and building modernisation.
- Introduction of energy management – effective energy consumption control with a focus on human resources.
- The EPC method is especially suitable for public buildings and facilities such as offices, schools, hospitals, sports venues, theatres, cultural centres, or public lighting in cities and municipalities.
The Applications for Industry and Municipalities Research Group
Within CEET’s Energy Research Centre, the Applications for Industry and Municipalities research group plays a key role in EPC projects. This group focuses on transferring scientific knowledge into practice. The preparation of large-scale EPC projects is an example of successful integration between science and applied research, delivering tangible benefits for both public and private sectors. “In recent years, the Energy Research Centre has established itself among the top three consulting institutions in the Czech Republic. Our ambition is to set best practices in the field of EPC projects and to bring cutting-edge scientific insights into everyday practice,” said Zdeněk Neufinger, head of the Applications for Industry and Municipalities research group.
