The government has accepted guidelines for saving energy in Croatia for the period from the beginning of August to the end of March next year, which, among other things, suggest room heating to a maximum of 21 degrees, cooling to 25 degrees, greater use of LED lighting and public transport, and cheaper electricity tariffs.
Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Davor Filipović said that the guidelines for saving energy are based on a package of European Commission documents from 20 July 2022 about gas savings.
The guidelines, he pointed out, aim for the maximum temperature in the heating system, when the heating season begins, to be 21 degrees, and when talking about reducing energy for cooling, it is recommended that the difference between the outside and inside temperature be seven degrees Celsius, that is, it is suggested that the cooling temperature should not be lower than 25 degrees. Namely, as Filipović said, for each degree of lower temperature, three to five percent more energy is consumed.
If the temperature in a room is reduced by just one degree, it leads to an annual energy saving of five percent, said Filipović.
Regarding the guidelines for efficient energy consumption for lighting, a greater use of LED bulbs and rational use of lighting is suggested, while citizens are also recommended to use household appliances in periods of lower tariffs and to disconnect the appliances from the power supply.
The guidelines, the minister stated, also suggest greater use of public transport.
Recommendations, or guidelines, were made by the Directorate for Energy of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and the Energy Institute of Hrvoje Požar.
The guidelines, he said, refer to changes in behavior in the short term because 40 percent of the total energy in our country is consumed in buildings.
They are aimed at efficient energy consumption when it comes to heating and cooling, lighting, the use of household appliances and traffic, said the minister.
“As far as long-term energy efficiency measures are concerned, energy renovation of buildings and houses is advised,” emphasized Filipović, adding that when looking at the overall situation in Europe, he believes that the mentioned guidelines will be useful.
He hopes that both the private and public sectors will respect these guidelines.
“Together, together with the whole of Europe, we need to go in the direction of how to achieve savings in the coming period and how to do everything to participate and to help the whole of Europe in the diversification of supply routes when we talk about energy sources,” Minister Filipović said.
Guidelines for saving energy in the Republic of Croatia_220926_075458