Pardubice Region wants to establish a passive housing center

Good House / Dalibor Borák, Helena Boráková, Karel Malich Elementary Art School in Holice

Vysoké Mýto (Orlickoústecko) - The Pardubice Region is considering the establishment of a building center for passive housing in Vysoké Mýto in Orlickoústecko. This aims to support the construction of energy-efficient homes. This was stated by Governor Martin Netolický (ČSSD) today. The institution would train professionals and provide information to the public.
    "The European Union, within the framework of the Europe 2020 strategy, has committed to reducing total greenhouse gas emissions and total energy consumption in member states by 20 percent. At the same time, it aims to achieve a twenty percent share of renewable sources in total energy consumption," said the governor.
    The parameters of a passive building are exemplified by the Karel Malich Elementary Art School in Holice in Pardubice. The energy-efficient new building, costing over 50 million crowns, was opened by the city hall last year, marking the largest investment in the modern history of the town.
    "There was no winter; after one year we cannot evaluate in detail, but it is clear that the building meets the guarantees. So far, we have had 60 percent lower energy costs than if we were in a conventional building," said the school's director, František Machač, to ČTK.
    The amendment to the Energy Management Act, among other things, stipulates that all newly constructed public buildings with an area of more than 1500 square meters must meet the criteria for passive houses starting January next year.
   "Gradually, by 2020, all buildings must have nearly zero energy consumption," stated the region's spokesman, Dominik Barták.
    Construction secondary schools are to participate in establishing the center. A suitable site for the new center is located in Vysoké Mýto on Kpt. Popplera Street. "Currently, we are exploring the possibilities of obtaining a subsidy from European funds for the necessary reconstruction and adaptation of the building for these purposes, but also to ensure training capacities," added Netolický.