The “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2024” competition, organized for the 14th consecutive year by the Ministry of Economics (ME) as part of the “Live Warmer” campaign, has concluded. The competition is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate and Energy and the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers.

Winners of the “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2024”:

• Apartment building in Riga, Dzelzavas Street 90 – 1st place in the category “Most Energy-Efficient Renovated Apartment Building in Latvia 2024”
• Ogre State Gymnasium – 1st place in the category “Most Energy-Efficient Public Building in Latvia 2024”
• Apartment building in Mārupe, Lielā Street 45 – 1st place in the category “Most Energy-Efficient Apartment Building in Latvia 2024 (New Construction)”

This year, the competition saw a diverse range of entries – expert judges assessed buildings from small two-story houses to 12-story buildings, as well as stores, schools, and hospitals. Each building revealed unique experiences and valuable insights. During the competition, the jury evaluated heating solutions, construction quality, sustainability, and ventilation systems.

"We are pleased to see an increasing number of energy-efficiency project implementers who can take pride in their innovations and effective technical solutions. There is no better motivation than a good example! We hope today’s winners will serve as excellent examples for other apartment buildings, industrial, public buildings, and private homes to become more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. We recognize that improving energy efficiency in buildings requires investment, which is why we currently offer state support of over €240 million through various support programs. Meanwhile, within the framework of EU fund programs, support for energy efficiency investments will exceed €430 million,” said Edmunds Valantis, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics.

The Ministry of Economics awarded its Special Prize to independent energy efficiency expert Natālija Beļska for her dedication and contribution to promoting energy efficiency. Another Special Prize went to project manager Arnis Neimanis from “Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks” for significant contributions to apartment building renovation and achieving high energy efficiency standards.

Building renovation, which includes reducing energy consumption, improving living comfort, and extending building life, is essential for everyone. By renovating at least 70% of Latvia’s apartment buildings and reducing their heat energy consumption by about half, we would meet future climate protection goals while significantly extending building life spans. The realization that the cheapest energy is the one we don’t consume is essential – saving energy resources helps reduce costs, dependence on imported energy, and conserves nature by reducing unnecessary heating of the surrounding environment. Thank you to everyone who has recognized the benefits of building renovation and taken a big step toward creating a quality living environment,” emphasized Minister of Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis.

The annual “Climate Friend” award from the Ministry of Climate and Energy was presented to the “Rimi” shopping center in Ķekava, recognizing a project that has integrated sustainability principles into a building type found in every Latvian region. Shopping centers are high-energy-consuming buildings due to their large volume and the high proportion of energy-intensive equipment. This center was designed with efficiency in mind – addressing water and energy resources and ventilation. The center also plans to support visitors by offering electric car charging. We hope this positive example will inspire similar retail building projects.

The Latvian Association of Civil Engineers highly values the competition and has actively participated in the jury’s work over the years. Good practices and examples of energy efficiency in buildings are invaluable to society. This year, a total of 43 buildings were submitted for evaluation, and we hope to see even more applications in the coming years,” expressed Helēna Endriksone, ECCE Vice President and Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers.

The restored apartment building at Pasta Street 34 in Jelgava, managed by building elder Viktors Valainis, received jury recognition for exemplary sustainable thinking, promoting resource conservation while creating a comfortable and well-maintained environment.

In the online voting, Babīte Secondary School received the highest number of votes – 512 – and was awarded the competition’s Audience Choice Award.

Winners of the “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2024” Competition

Detailed information about this year’s competition winners is available on the competition website at www.energoefektivakaeka.lv.

Category: “Most Energy-Efficient Renovated Apartment Building in Latvia 2024”

• 1st place: Renovated apartment building in Riga, Dzelzavas Street 90
• 2nd place: Renovated apartment building in Riga, Latgales Street 237
• 3rd place: Renovated apartment building in Jelgava, Rīgas Street 57
• 3rd place: Renovated apartment building in Riga, Bauskas Street 53

Category: “Most Energy-Efficient Public Building in Latvia 2024”

• 1st place: Ogre State Gymnasium
• 2nd place: Bauska Sports Hall of BJSS
• 2nd place: Rimi Shopping Center in Ķekava
• 3rd place: Strenči Psychiatric Hospital (Marijas House)

Category: “Most Energy-Efficient Apartment Building in Latvia 2024 (New Construction)”

• 1st place: Lielā Street 45, Mārupe
• 2nd place: Dravnieku Street 1, Riga
• 3rd place: Dzelzavas Street 108, Riga

About the “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia” Competition

The Ministry of Economics organizes the competition within the “Live Warmer” campaign in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate and Energy and the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers. This year, 43 buildings were submitted. Detailed information about the competition is available on www.energoefektivakaeka.lv.

The competition aims to promote best practices in building energy efficiency and sustainability by encouraging the construction, renovation, and reconstruction of energy-efficient buildings. This approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances public awareness of the importance of comfort, building insulation, indoor climate, and the reduction of emissions, creating high-quality, architecturally appealing living spaces.

This year's competition was organized in collaboration with various partners, including the State Construction Control Bureau, the State Fire and Rescue Service, and representatives from the European Commission in Latvia, AS “Sadales tīkls,” the Elektrum Energy Efficiency Center, and numerous universities, associations, and companies. The competition is co-financed by EU funds, with supporters from the financial sector and various construction and energy efficiency companies.

Ministry of Economics
Public Relations Department