The Ministry of Economics, the Ministry of Climate and Energy, and the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers announce the annual competition "The Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2024".

"Energetic efficiency is the primary way we can approach the goal set by the entire European Union - climate neutrality. In a way, it is the most effective method because it does not require the production of energy in any form but, on the contrary, saves it. Therefore, it is gratifying that the competition for the most energy-efficient building has become an established tradition, reminding us all of the importance of energy efficiency in achieving the EU's green deal goals, as well as in creating innovative energy-efficient materials and solutions as prospective business niches in Latvia," emphasizes Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis.

Minister of Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis: "Energy efficiency means investing today to gain more in the future. If we use energy wisely, we can enjoy greater comfort using less energy! By optimizing our energy consumption, we can reduce our bills, the negative impact on the environment, and enhance our businesses' competitiveness. Building energy efficiency is not just a socially responsible choice but also a practical investment in the future of every individual and company."

Helēna Endriksone, Deputy Chair of the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers: "The goal of the 'Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia' contest is to promote best practices in the field of energy efficiency and to raise public awareness about quality and energy-efficient construction. Let's learn from the best examples!"

For the 14th year, within the framework of the "Live Warmer" campaign, the "Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia" competition is announced to foster best practices in building energy efficiency and sustainability, implementing energy-efficient construction, renovation, and rebuilding, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and promoting public understanding of well-being, building thermal insulation, indoor microclimate, and the importance and possibilities of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to create a quality, architecturally expressive living space.

We traditionally invite applications for the competition in five categories:

• Most Energy-Efficient Renovated Multi-apartment Building;
• Most Energy-Efficient Multi-apartment Building – New Construction;
• Most Energy-Efficient Public Building;
• Most Energy-Efficient Detached House;
• Most Energy-Efficient Industrial Building.

The regulations for the "Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2024" competition are published on the competition's website www.energoefektivakaeka.lv. We invite applications for the "Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2024" competition to be submitted by June 18, 2024, by sending them electronically to dzivosiltak@em.gov.lv. It is planned that by the end of August this year, the jury will decide on the buildings to be advanced to the second round of the competition - on-site building inspection. The awarding of this year's competition laureates is planned for September.

The competition regulations were prepared in collaboration with the "Live Warmer" campaign partners - the State Bureau of Construction Control, the State Fire and Rescue Service, the European Commission Representation in Latvia, AS "Sadales tīkls", Elektrum Energy Efficiency Center, Rural Support Service, Riga Energy Agency, Riga Technical University, Riga Stradiņš University, Latvian House Managers and Administrators Association, Latvian Windows and Doors Manufacturers Association, Building Materials Manufacturers Association, Latvian Mineral Wool Manufacturers Association, Latvian Heat, Gas and Water Technology Engineers Union, Financial Industry Association, and SIA "Public Asset Manager Possessor".

The competition is supported by SIA "Paroc", SIA "Saint-Gobain Construction Products", SIA "Knauf", SIA "Rockwool", Development Finance Institution "Altum", AS "Latvenergo", VentSys, AS "Rīgas siltums", SIA "Robert Bosch", SIA "Innovation B&G", Proclima, and Enervent. The informational supporters of the competition are the magazine "Civil Engineer", the newspaper "Latvijas Avīze", and the construction portals www.abc.lv, https://archidea.lv/, and www.building.lv.

Please note that in the 2023 competition "The Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia," a total of 23 applications were received; the competition laureates can be viewed on the competition's website.

Ministry of Economics Public Relations Department prese@em.gov.lv