An archive photo
MINSK, 5 January (BelTA) – All apartment buildings in Belarus are constructed using exclusively energy-efficient designs. When developing project documentation for new and renovated housing, the specific energy consumption for heating and ventilation is set at a minimum of class B (high), and for hot water, class C (normal). This information was shared by Minister of Architecture and Construction Aleksandr Studnev in an interview with the Economy of Belarus Magazine.
“In 2024, we completed 2,080,717 square meters of energy-efficient multi-unit residential buildings meeting energy efficiency classes B (high) and A (very high),” the minister noted. “These savings are achieved by increasing insulation thickness in walls, roofs, and floors to 200–300 mm, up from 100–150 mm previously. Window openings now feature double or even triple glazing with low-emissivity (I‑glass) and inert gas fillings.”
According to Aleksandr Studnev, architects work to minimize heat loss through balcony slabs, lintels, and other structural elements and implement supply-and-exhaust ventilation systems with heat recovery. Such systems capture heat from exhaust air and transfer it to incoming fresh air, conserving 70–90% of the energy otherwise needed for heating.
“In 2025, due to climate shifts, regulatory standards will be tightened further,” the minister explained. “In addition, the institutes affiliated with our ministry are developing building design and construction concepts that allow for the future integration of additional energy-saving systems during operation. For example, this includes provisions for installing apartment-level ventilation with heat recovery after occupancy. Structural accommodations for ventilation units and ducting will be included in the design, and residents will be provided with instructions on their use to enhance indoor comfort. For such buildings, the energy efficiency class for specific heating and ventilation consumption during the heating season will be raised to B+.”
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