The Ministry of Economics, the Ministry of Climate and Energy, and the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers announce the annual competition “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2026”.

The competition is being held for the 16th year, and its aim is to promote best practices in building energy performance and sustainability by implementing energy-efficient construction, renovation, and reconstruction of buildings, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and raising public awareness of well-being, building thermal performance, and indoor microclimate, in order to create a healthy, high-quality, and architecturally expressive living environment.

“Taking care of one’s home and surrounding environment is a matter of pride for every owner. Currently, the interest of residents and entrepreneurs in building energy efficiency is at a record high, demonstrating society’s readiness to invest both in their own well-being and in reducing energy consumption, as well as in national energy security and the achievement of climate goals. The competition is an excellent platform to showcase good work, share experience, and inspire others to follow this example. We are often too modest to be proud of our achievements. I encourage every apartment owner, building manager, municipality, and entrepreneur – do not hesitate and submit your successfully renovated and newly built projects to the competition. Let us be proud of what has been accomplished and continue together to make Latvia an energy-efficient, sustainable, and beautiful country!” emphasizes Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis.

Minister of Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis: “Energy-efficient buildings mean well-maintained properties, higher quality of life, an improved environment, and lower heating costs. This also reduces the country’s dependence on imported energy resources, especially when gas is used for heating. Every renovated building is a challenge overcome, inspiring others. Although progress is increasing, we must be even more ambitious – the pace of building renovation in Latvia needs to be significantly accelerated. I encourage recognising achievements to inspire everyone who still hesitates.”

Helēna Endriksone, First Vice Chairperson of the Board of the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers: “The main objective of the competition ‘Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia’ has remained unchanged over the years – to highlight best practice examples in energy efficiency and to promote public understanding of efficient, rational, and sustainable use of energy resources. With this initiative, we thank those who confidently invest resources and knowledge in energy efficiency measures and whose achievements serve as an inspiring example for others.”

Applications for the competition can be submitted 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 Single-Family House;
• Most Energy-Efficient Industrial Building.

The regulations of the competition “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2026” are available on the competition website: www.energoefektivakaeka.lv. Applications are invited until 18 June 2026 and should be submitted electronically to: dzivosiltak@em.gov.lv.

It is planned that by the end of August this year, the jury will decide which buildings will proceed to the second stage of the competition – on-site inspections. The award ceremony for this year’s winners is planned for September.

The competition regulations have been prepared in cooperation with partners of the information campaign “Live Warmer”, including: the Latvian Association of Property Managers and Administrators, the Latvian Association of Window and Door Manufacturers, Riga Technical University, Riga Stradiņš University, the University of Latvia, the Latvian Association of Heat, Gas and Water Technology Engineers, the Sustainable Building Council, the Construction State Control Bureau, the Latvian Construction Contractors Association, the State Fire and Rescue Service, SIA “Public Asset Manager Possessor”, and the Central Finance and Contracting Agency.

The competition is co-financed by #EUfunds. Supporters of the competition include SIA “Paroc”, SIA “Saint-Gobain Building Products”, SIA “Rockwool”, the Development Finance Institution Altum, AS “Latvenergo”, VentSys, AS “Rīgas siltums”, and AS “Sadales tīkls”. Informational supporters include the magazine “Būvinženieris”, the newspaper “Latvijas Avīze”, and construction portals www.abc.lv, https://archidea.lv/, and www.building.lv.

Ministry of Economics
Public Relations Division
E-mail: san@em.gov.lv