Ministry of Environment streamlines renovation and expands support for improving building energy efficiency
The Government has approved amendments drafted by the Ministry of Environment to the Resolution on the Approval of the Multi-Apartment Building Renovation (Modernisation) Programme. The changes will simplify renovation procedures and broaden the range of measures that may be implemented.
“This decision is intended to bring about a broader strategic shift in building renovation, moving away from a model focused primarily on reducing heat consumption towards comprehensive building renewal. This approach would cover not only energy efficiency, but also building functionality and architecture, while improving residents’ quality of life and comfort,” says Minister of Environment Kastytis Žuromskas.
Under the amendments, the state will provide support for multi-apartment building renovation projects that include measures to improve energy efficiency and other building renewal measures. The legislation lists 18 types of work eligible for state support.
These include the renovation or replacement of drinking water supply, domestic and stormwater drainage systems, drainage infrastructure and local installations serving the building. Support may also be provided for routine repairs to stairwells, the construction of new balconies, the enlargement of window and balcony door openings, the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in parking facilities belonging to the building, the adaptation of basement premises for use as shelters and the installation of bicycle storage facilities.
The amendments also allow concessional loans to finance additional renovation measures, provided that they account for no more than 20 per cent of the total investment value. For example, a new external lift could be installed in a five-storey building, making apartments more accessible to older residents.
Other eligible measures may include the renovation or installation of protective window bars or shutters, balcony extensions, the renewal of waste chutes, electricity storage systems, water pressure booster pumps and water filters. Funding may also cover the replacement of communications cabinets, the installation of communications connections and fire alarm systems in apartments, as well as antenna brackets and other measures required to ensure building safety, mechanical resistance, the operation of engineering systems or adaptation to residents’ social needs.
The resolution also requires nesting sites for swifts or other protected bird species to be provided in renovated buildings where such sites existed before the renovation.
This requirement will ensure compliance with wild bird protection provisions established under Lithuanian and European Union law. The EU Birds Directive and Lithuanian legislation governing wildlife protection prohibit the destruction of or damage to the breeding and resting sites of wild birds.
Common swifts frequently nest in cavities and other structural elements of multi-apartment buildings. Existing nesting sites must therefore be preserved during renovation or replaced with artificial nesting sites that meet the ecological needs of the species.
The presence of nesting sites will be established through a visual inspection carried out when the building’s investment plan is prepared. The findings must be recorded in accordance with the procedure for preparing investment plans for the renovation of multi-apartment buildings, as approved by the Minister of Environment.