Innovations For Energy Efficiency And Environmental Sustainability

Nestled in the north-western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a rich history and strategic location, Gradiška is an important regional trade, transport, and culture hub. The town stretches along the Sava River, which gives it a natural potential for agriculture and tourism. By investing in various projects, the city contributes to global sustainable development goals and environmental protection and ensures a better quality of life for both present and future generations. Zoran Adžić, the Mayor of Gradiška, spoke to the Energy Portal Magazine about energy-saving methods in public spaces and the most significant projects, including an innovative solution for securing the city’s water supply. 

Q: What would you highlight as the most important achievements in ecology, energy independence, or sustainable development?

A: The transition of the entire public lighting system to smart LED lights has brought about a range of positive effects, significantly improving the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of the lighting. By 2023, the City of Gradiška had a public lighting system using high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, which, compared to currently available technologies in this field, had several significant drawbacks, including high energy consumption, shorter lifespan, poor light quality, longer warm-up time, high heat production, negative ecological impact, limited lighting control options, and a higher failure rate.

The identified problem with the existing public lighting system prompted the city to include a project in its plans to transition to more modern and efficient lighting technologies, which can improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance light quality. In 2023, the city completed the transition of public lighting from high-pressure sodium lamps to smart LED lighting, during which it established its own LoRaWAN network, enabling the widespread use of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies in managing urban resources. This modernization and technology not only increase energy efficiency and reduce costs but also allow for advanced management and control of public resources.

The City of Gradiška has one of the best-organized municipal systems, not only in the Republic of Srpska but also in the region, with particular emphasis on its water supply system. Due to several limiting factors for the water supply system, the city initiated a project to build a 1 MW solar power plant at the Žeravica water source. Implementing this project ensures increased energy independence, an ecologically sustainable and economically viable solution for the city’s entire water supply system, providing stability and sustainability for the system in the future. Through this project, the city affirms its commitment to innovation and sustainable development, demonstrating its capacity to use natural resources sustainably.

IN FOCUS:

• Waste as a Resource – the Path to Sustainable Energy in Serbia
• Plogging – Exercise for Health and a Cleaner Environment
• Sustainability in the Western Balkans: the Path to Transition

Installing a 1 MW solar power plant at the Žeravica water source represents an innovative solution for securing the city’s entire water supply. This solution provides a stable and sustainable source of electricity for the operation of the water supply system. By installing solar panels at the water source, Gradiška ensures energy independence and reduces energy costs and CO2 emissions, contributing to a more ecologically sustainable future. This solution brings long-term economic and ecological benefits to the city and promotes sustainable development.

The complete energy reconstruction of the Gradiška Music School and the Gradiška Grammar School has been completed. This project is unique because it concerns a protected cultural heritage building, which required a special approach to renovation. The external appearance of the building had to remain unchanged. This project has improved the comfort of students and teachers while achieving significant energy savings.

Parallel to this, the complete energy refurbishment of the Gradiška Grammar School building is in its initial phase. This project aims to address long-standing issues with energy efficiency. The building suffered significant energy losses for years due to an outdated façade, worn-out windows and doors, and an obsolete heating system. These shortcomings led to high energy costs and uneven temperatures in classrooms. Completing this project will bring significant benefits, including reduced energy consumption, stable indoor temperatures throughout the year, and improved working conditions for students and staff. At the same time, the project will contribute to environmental protection by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These projects are outstanding examples of how investments in educational infrastructure can significantly improve working conditions while also supporting the sustainable development of the local community.

Q: What does the Local Sustainable Development Leader Award mean to you, and which activities or projects led to this recognition?

A: The City of Gradiška won the Local Sustainable Development Leader Award in the thematic area of Smart Growth thanks to innovative projects that have significantly contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. The project involving the transition from traditional to LED lighting is a response to air pollution and CO2 emissions, which have become serious issues in our community and many urban areas worldwide.

This award was presented as part of the program “A Framework for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals as a Foundation for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDG2BiH)”, supported by the Kingdom of Sweden and UNDP, in partnership with UNICEF and UN Women. By introducing innovative digital solutions, the City of Gradiška has effectively reduced emissions, optimized energy consumption, and improved resource management. As part of this project, the city established a LoRaWAN network, enabling efficient monitoring and management of current and future urban digital systems, including air quality, public lighting, smart agriculture, smart parking, smart water management, smart waste management, and more.

Interview by Jasna Dragojević