On February 25, this year, it will be 15 years since the first Cooperation Memorandum was signed between the Ministry of Economics and 18 different state and municipal institutions, banks, non-governmental organizations from the housing management and construction sectors, as well as Riga Technical University, committing to ensuring access to information on energy efficiency and the housing renovation process.

As a result, in 2010, the “Dzīvo siltāk” (Live Warmer) awareness campaign was launched to activate public interest in energy efficiency and multi-apartment building renovation, including the initiation of the first EU fund support program for energy efficiency improvements in multi-apartment buildings.

Today, “Dzīvo siltāk” has evolved into a unique energy efficiency movement. Over the past 15 years, an additional 25 state and municipal institutions, non-governmental organizations, and scientific organizations have joined the Cooperation Memorandum, forming a collaborative network of 44 organizations engaged in joint activities.

“Dzīvo siltāk” remains the most successful long-term public awareness campaign implemented by the Latvian public administration, which has now transformed into a movement. It has significantly increased public awareness of energy efficiency and interest in building renovation. The campaign has enabled the full utilization of planned EU fund investments in building renovation, implementation of high-quality projects across Latvia, learning from others' experiences, identifying the best technical solutions, and improving the quality of construction and building renovation. As a result, buildings are being renovated efficiently and at optimal costs.

"I sincerely thank every participant of the “Dzīvo siltāk” movement for their contribution and dedication towards our shared goal – energy-efficient buildings. Special thanks to our colleague, Inese Bērziņa, the initiator and driving force behind the movement, who has successfully united all stakeholders involved in building renovation into an effective and results-oriented collaboration, highly recognized even at the EU level,”** emphasized Edmunds Valantis, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics.

Over 15 years, “Dzīvo siltāk” has organized more than 600 informative events – conferences, forums, seminars, webinars, and more – to educate the public about energy efficiency, state and EU support for building renovation, housing management, and quality construction. Additionally, every year, campaign partners participate in the "Māja" (Home) exhibition and organize experience exchange visits, allowing potential building renovators to explore best practices, get inspired, and learn from the experiences of others.

A map of EU-funded renovated multi-apartment buildings has been developed and is regularly updated. Furthermore, this year marks the 15th edition of the "Energy-Efficient Building of the Year in Latvia" competition, recognizing outstanding projects and highlighting the best examples of building energy efficiency. The total number of participants in all campaign events has now exceeded 56,000 people.

All planned EU investments in multi-apartment building renovation have been fully utilized, amounting to €350 million to date. Over the years, the scope of the campaign has significantly expanded, now focusing not only on multi-apartment building renovation but also on improving energy efficiency in industrial buildings, state and municipal buildings, and private homes.

"We all know that well-maintained buildings provide comfort, a pleasant living environment, and energy savings. In March, the new EU fund support program for energy efficiency improvements in multi-apartment buildings will be launched, enabling an additional €173 million investment in building renovations. I encourage everyone to be proactive and start planning their building renovation process today, ensuring long-term sustainability,”** emphasized Selīna Vancāne, Director of the Energy Financial Instruments Department of the Ministry of Economics.

Ministry of Economics

Public Relations Department
📧 prese@em.gov.lv