Careful planning of the preservation of existing green areas and greening of new ones is very important, especially for urban areas. Greenery contributes to the reduction of air pollution, mitigates the effects of tropical heat, but also increases resistance to floods and extreme weather events. The city of Zagreb showed its successful commitment to such projects during the previous planting season, when it became richer by 8,000 trees.
With the adoption of the Green Urban Renewal Strategy of the City of Zagreb, plans are clearly defined for the development of green infrastructure, achieving energy efficiency goals, adapting to climate change and strengthening resistance to risks. Zagreb’s commitment is also reflected in its entry into the European Union’s Mission of 100 climate-neutral and smart cities, thereby committing to the creation and implementation of the Climate City Contract. This document represents the political commitment and vision of decarbonization in the key sectors managed by the city, primarily refers to the decarbonization of the built environment (buildings), traffic, (centralized) heating and cooling systems and related activities.
“The complete transformation of the process of planning and implementation of decarbonization measures and adaptation to climate change is underway. Our goal is to include elements of decarbonization and adaptation in all city processes and key documents. We started the process by introducing higher standards of energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources and incorporating elements of adaptation into spatial plans”, explains Ana Pavičić Kaselj, from the city’s office for the economy, environmental sustainability and strategic planning.
When it comes to waste management, the construction of the new Center in Resnik will enable the processing of mixed municipal waste, bio-waste, paper, plastic and metal according to modern standards. Our interlocutor points out that it is a unique plant for mechanical-biological waste treatment (MBO) of the new generation, completely closed without unpleasant odors and harmful emissions into the environment, which uses the best currently available technologies in the EU and includes a plant for processing mixed waste and a plant for sorting and composting.
IN FOCUS:
Energy efficiency and decarbonization of traffic
The energy rehabilitation of public buildings in Zagreb is carried out according to a clearly established plan, all with the aim of saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 50 percent in each building. During the renovation of buildings, economically viable, energy-efficient technologies are applied along with the implementation of renewable energy sources and environmentally friendly fuels.
“The plan of the project of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources for public purposes for the period from 2024 to 2026, which was adopted by the City Assembly in December 2023, defined the facilities for which energy renovation, construction and extension of buildings for public purposes are planned. A budget of around 133,000,000 euros is planned for these projects during this year and in the next two,” adds Pavičić Kaselj.
When it comes to the decarbonization of traffic, their priority is to make public city transport faster, more reliable and more efficient, which will contribute to more and more citizens preferring to use this type of transport over their own vehicles. Although encouraging public urban transport alone will not completely and immediately solve the problem of motor vehicle exhaust gases, improving the quality and speed of public urban passenger transport services is a safe and proven way to reduce the level of air pollution and reduce the number of vehicles on city roads.
Prepared by: Milica Radičević
Source: energetskiportal.rs
