ENVE works in fields related to the European Green Deal, which include the environment biodiversity, circular economy, zero pollution, climate change, energy, and space policies.
After joining the Covenant of Mayors initiative, initiated by the European Commission in 2009, the City of Rijeka, whose mayor is the CoR member Vojko Obersnel, opted to develop itself sustainably by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. Renovating buildings is central to that approach, and for good reason. Across the EU, buildings account for 40% of emissions. In Rijeka itself, two-thirds of buildings were built before energy performance standards even existed; pre-1945 buildings in Croatia are particularly inefficient.
For that reason, renovating old buildings has been the cornerstone of the developments of Rijeka. Eleven public buildings, seven kindergartens and eight elementary schools were renovated between 2016 and 2018.
By the end of 2020, the renovation of six more facilities (two kindergartens, three elementary schools and a museum) will be completed.
All renovations follow energy efficiency principles and are being implemented in an environmentally acceptable manner with an eye to creating better microclimatic conditions. Renovation is ensuring that current and future generations will benefit from healthier and more productive surroundings, is extending the service life of buildings, and is reducing adverse impacts on the environment. These projects are also creating jobs.
The City of Rijeka's strong commitment to environmentally sustainable development is also reflected in its "Solar Energy in the City" project. This has led to the installation of photovoltaic power stations on eight public buildings as well as on several kindergartens.
