Completed Energy-Efficient Renovation of Elementary School "Vuk Karadžić"

The Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro, as the lead on the project "Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings of Montenegro" (PEEPB), in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, confirmed that works on the energy reconstruction of the elementary school "Vuk Karadžić" in Berane have been completed. This school is part of the project "Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings of Montenegro," implemented within the Regional Program for Energy Efficiency in the Western Balkans (REEP), with financial support from the European Union and the German Development Bank (KfW), and contributions from the Government of Montenegro. Dr. Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović visited the school along with Majda Adžović, Minister of Public Works, and Đole Lutovac, President of the Municipality of Berane, to see firsthand the results of the renovation and to discuss with staff and local community representatives. The energy efficiency measures included external wall, floor, and roof insulation, replacement of old windows with high-insulation ones, and modernization of heating and cooling systems with a shift to more environmentally friendly energy sources. The PEEPB project has successfully completed renovations of schools in Kotor, Nikšić, Tuzima, Cetinje, and Bar, with impressive results: an average reduction of CO₂ emissions by 69% — approximately 1,400 tons annually, improved learning and working conditions for about 5,627 students and staff. During the visit, it was repeatedly emphasized that investing in school energy efficiency is not only technical but also pedagogical and value-based: it shows children that the community takes responsibility for their future. The project is financed by a €45 million loan from KfW and a €4.785 million grant from the European Union, with Montenegro's own contribution of €10 million — totaling around €60 million.