Comprehensive energy renovations have been undertaken at the University Clinical Centre (UKC) in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana under an EU-funded project. The work is supported by the EU’s Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe (REACT-EU) programme, which is aimed at fostering crisis repair in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing a green, digital and resilient economic recovery.
- 01 January 2007
“The project will ensure better conditions for patients at the University Clinical Centre in Ljubljana. A comprehensive energy renovation will be carried out on two of the centre’s buildings at Zaloška cesta 7: the main hospital building and the old part of the diagnostic and therapeutic department.”
Covering some 75 000 m² of floor area in the main UKC hospital building and the older part of the diagnostic and therapeutic department, the renovations include thermal insulation of facades, flat roofs and the floor of an unheated attic.
In addition, fixtures such as doors and windows will be replaced, and electric motors will be installed on lifts. The heating, cooling, ventilation, air conditioning and lighting systems will be updated; a central control system for these elements will be set up; and organisational measures will be put in place.
Tackling energy inefficiency
The main hospital building was built in 1974. The older section of the diagnostic and therapeutic department followed in 1976. Analysis of both buildings has shown that they are extremely energy inefficient. The need for renovations is underlined by the importance of the facilities in treating COVID-19 patients.
A main aim of the renovations is a reduction of energy use, leading to lower levels of nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and carbon dioxide emissions and general environmental pollution. Other objectives include financial savings, improved working conditions and comfort and compliance with Slovenia’s Energy Act and Rules on the Efficient Use of Energy in Buildings.
Lower emissions and increased comfort
It is expected that the renovations will cut the buildings’ energy consumption for heating and electricity by 54 % and 20 % respectively, thereby helping to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 33 % and maintenance costs by nearly EUR 850 000 a year. Furthermore, they will bring the facilities into line with national legislation.
The work will contribute to maintaining appropriate temperatures within the buildings throughout the year. It will prevent uncontrolled infiltration of air through the building envelope and eliminate air quality problems in toilets and communal spaces.
The project is one of several instances of REACT-EU investment in Slovenia. Others include actions related to the relocation of a pulmonary disease department to UKC Maribor, an increase in capacity at the Ljubljana intermediate care department, an IT system for vaccination appointment scheduling, resilience of institutional care facilities and digital transformation of SMEs.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “COVID-19 – energy rehabilitation of the UKC hospital” is EUR 49 843 879 with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 49 843 879 through the “Implementation of the EU Cohesion Policy” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources in the public sector, households and enterprises”.