The first neighbourhood-scale renovation project under ALTUM’s Multi-Apartment Building Energy Efficiency Programme has been completed in Ķekava. Three Soviet-era apartment buildings on Gaismas Street have been renovated, creating a unified energy-efficient residential neighbourhood comprising a total of 197 apartments.
Under the programme’s conditions, buildings renovated as part of a neighbourhood-scale project are eligible for a higher capital rebate, or non-repayable grant, financed by European Union funds. The rebate covers 50% of eligible costs, compared with the 40–45% capital rebate available for individually renovated buildings upon project completion.
“Renovating multi-apartment buildings is an investment in both residents’ quality of life and energy efficiency. The example of Ķekava demonstrates that by joining forces and renovating several buildings simultaneously, it is possible to achieve greater results – reducing energy consumption and heating bills while significantly easing the financial burden on residents.
Targeted support from EU funds and the state provides a strong incentive for making such decisions. Our goal is to make the renovation of multi-apartment buildings a common practice in Latvia rather than an exception. In Ķekava, we can see that the neighbourhood approach works, and we want more Latvian towns and cities to follow this example,” emphasises Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economics.
The Ķekava neighbourhood renovation project includes three buildings: Gaismas Street 19, Building 10, constructed in 1975 and containing 94 apartments; Gaismas Street 19, Building 15, built in 1977 and containing 48 apartments; and Gaismas Street 19, Building 4, which has 55 apartments and has been occupied for 56 years, since 1970.
“ALTUM’s experience shows that reaching a joint decision is one of the main challenges in renovating apartment buildings. This is why the Ķekava project is particularly significant – residents of three buildings simultaneously decided to invest in their properties and the development of their neighbourhood.
In addition to Ķekava, nine other neighbourhood-scale renovation projects are currently being implemented in various Latvian towns and cities – Riga, Valka, Ogre, Madona, Talsi, Daugmale and Ādaži. This demonstrates that the neighbourhood approach works in practice and delivers benefits extending beyond individual buildings,” says Reinis Bērziņš, Chairman of the Management Board of ALTUM.
Following renovation, each building is expected to achieve annual primary energy savings of between 209 and 257 megawatt-hours (MWh), while energy consumption will decrease by 31–38%.
Ventilated façades have been installed on all three buildings, alongside other energy efficiency improvements that will reduce heating costs, improve residents’ comfort and extend the buildings’ service life.
Overall, the neighbourhood renovation project is expected to deliver annual primary energy savings of more than 684 MWh and reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 150 tonnes per year.
“This project demonstrates the advantages of the neighbourhood approach. The opportunity to receive a 50% capital rebate was a major incentive for apartment owners to agree on renovating all three buildings.
The decision was also encouraged by the experience of neighbouring buildings previously renovated in Ķekava, which allowed residents to see the results of such investments in practice.
For residents, the most important thing was understanding the project costs and the expected monthly loan repayments. It was therefore essential to explain how the support would reduce the share of costs that apartment owners would have to cover themselves.
General meetings of apartment owners in all three buildings were held within a single month, and all three approved the renovation.
With the programme’s support, comprehensive renovation works were carried out, including thermal insulation, replacement of building utility systems and refurbishment of stairwells.
At the same time, cooperation between the buildings’ representatives has strengthened, with residents working together to address issues with the municipality concerning improvements to courtyards and surrounding areas.
In this way, investment in building renovation also encourages property owners to become involved in the development of their wider neighbourhood,” says Sarma Novicāne-Lazdāne, Head of SIA “SNL projekti”, which managed the renovation projects for all three buildings.
In addition to significant energy efficiency improvements, residents of the neighbourhood also benefit from substantial financial support.
Of the nearly EUR 5.5 million in loans secured for the renovation of the three buildings, 50%, or more than EUR 2.7 million, is covered by the capital rebate, effectively halving the renovation cost burden for residents.
About SIA “SNL projekti”
SIA “SNL projekti” specialises in managing multi-apartment building renovation projects.
The company’s team began working in this field in Līgatne in 2011 and has since completed 81 projects.
“SNL projekti” provides comprehensive project management services, from preparing the documentation required to secure financing to coordinating construction works and overseeing project completion, ensuring that deadlines and budgets are met.
About ALTUM
AS “Attīstības finanšu institūcija Altum” (ALTUM) is a Latvian state-owned development finance institution that provides access to financial resources for businesses and households through financial support instruments, including loans, guarantees and investments in venture capital funds.
ALTUM operates in areas identified by the state as priorities for support, thereby promoting economic development and facilitating the mobilisation of private capital and financial resources.
Further Information
ALTUM Development Finance Institution
Sandra Eglīte
Head of Public Relations, ALTUM
Email: sandra.eglite@altum.lv
Phone: +371 26577810
