Launch Event

Energy efficiency for housing sector project

Speakers on the event (left to right): Ms. Liljana Alceva, Mr. Valon Saraqini, Mr. Robert Wuertz and Mr. Zoran Kostov

On December 15, 2011, the Energy efficiency for housing sector project announced its official launch. The launching event was opened with a welcome from the Habitat for Humanity Macedonia Deputy Director - Program, Ms. Liljana Alceva. She introduced the key speakers of the event, the Minister of Economy, Mr. Valon Saraqini, the USAID Mission Director, Mr. Robert Wuertz and Habitat for Humanity Macedonia National Director, Mr. Zoran Kostov. At the event were presented the activities that the project will undertake in the next three years. Representatives from many ministries, municipalities, NGOs, private companies and academic institutions attended the event.

"I am happy to see that energy efficiency is not only a top priority for industry but also for the residential sector. By working on raising awareness of the people regarding energy efficiency a positive impact will be created on the climate and environment. Homeowners' raised awareness of the application of energy efficiency measures will create a new market for residential energy efficiency that will also create new business opportunities," said the Minister of Economy, Valon Saraqini.

The importance of the residential energy efficiency will generate the interest of the public, commercial and financial sector regarding this issue. The Habitat for Humanity Macedonia National Director, Mr. Zoran Kostov expressed his gratitude to USAID Mission in Macedonia for being an early warning for the increasing energy prices and importance of the residential energy efficiency and for being an excellent supporter.

The pilot project we conducted this past year confirmed that investments in energy efficiency measures are justified," said USAID Mission Director, Robert Wuertz. "They do not only result in energy savings and decreased energy costs, but also in improved living conditions for the residents of those buildings." In his closing statement Mr. Wuertz said "Save energy, save money and be more environmentally responsible".

Gallery

Energy efficiency for housing sector project launch event	Mr. Zoran Kostov, Habitat for Humanity Macedonia National Director	Energy efficiency for housing sector project launch event	Left to right: Mr. Zoran Kostov, Ms. Liljana Alceva, Mr. Valon Saraqini and Mr. Robert Wuertz
Mr. Valon Saraqini, Minister of Economy	Mr. Robert Wuertz, USAID Mission Director and Mr. Zoran Kostov, Habitat for Humanity Macedonia National Director	Speakers on the event (left to right): Ms. Liljana Alceva, Mr. Valon Saraqini, Mr. Robert Wuertz and Mr. Zoran Kostov

Photo credits to Phil Lampron