On April 10, 2026, at a seminar organized by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development (VARAM), in cooperation with the Association of Latvian Municipal Executive Directors, a seminar was organized for municipal executive directors, emphasizing the need to strengthen a systematic approach to energy management and integrate it into daily management processes.
During the seminar, it was highlighted that climate change and the efficient use of resources are no longer merely issues addressed in development planning documents, but rather a reality of day-to-day management. Energy management was described as a continuous and strategic process that enables municipalities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure sustainable development.
Attendees gained a modern perspective on the efficient use of resources, a deeper understanding of how to implement energy efficiency requirements in practice, as well as practical examples of how to translate regulatory requirements into measurable results. It was emphasized that sustainable results stem from a systemic approach rather than isolated initiatives, and that the involvement of local government leadership is crucial.
The seminar was opened by Agris Vilks, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Latvian Local Government Executive Directors, and Ilze Oša, Deputy State Secretary for Regional Development at the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development, who emphasized the significant role of local governments in achieving climate goals.
Several industry experts delivered presentations as part of the program: Aija Timofejeva, Director of the Energy Sustainability Department at the Ministry of Climate and Energy, discussed the prospects for efficient resource consumption in local governments; Vera Suzdaļenko, Director of the Energy and Energy Efficiency Department at the State Environmental Service, explained the practical implementation of energy efficiency obligations; Dr.sc.ing., Associate Professor at RTU and Energy Manager for the Salaspils Municipality, Gatis Žogla, presented practical solutions for municipal buildings and infrastructure; Jānis Kļaviņš, Technical Maintenance Division’s Energy Management Sector Head Jānis Kļaviņš shared energy management experience at a state-owned company, and Talsi Municipality’s Real Estate and Environmental Protection Department Energy Management Head Toms Akmentiņš introduced examples of best practices in the municipality.
The seminar served as an introduction to a broader series of events, as four regional seminars will be held in April and May:
In Kurzeme – April 24;
In Latgale – May 8;
In Zemgale – May 15;
In Vidzeme – May 22.
The project’s target group is invited to participate in the regional seminars—specialists from planning regions and local governments, including representatives of municipal capital companies that perform delegated administrative tasks in the statistical regions of Kurzeme, Latgale, Vidzeme, and Zemgale, such as energy managers, building managers, project managers, and other specialists.
The seminars are organized under Measure 6.1.1 of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Program for 2021–2027, “Mitigating the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the transition to climate neutrality in the most affected regions” and Measure 6.1.1.8, “Enhancing the skills of specialists in municipalities and planning regions on issues related to the climate-neutral economy and mitigating the socio-economic impacts of climate change.”
