A number of informational and educational public events were conducted: Days of energy efficiency in the city of Novograd-Volynskyi of Zhytomyr region, community events for disabled persons in Radomyshl, Radomyshl district, environmental actions for children of rural schools. Dissemination of printed informational and educational materials and results of the project implementation via social media Facebook, Twitter, CSOs network www.gefua.net and the "Green Zhytomyr Region" CSO Network, All-Ukrainian monthly publication "Development and Environment", local newspapers of the Zhytomyr region was made.
Due to less electricity consumption, a significant reduction in electricity demand and a reduction in the energy infrastructure load, greenhouse gas emission reductions are achieved, while "Radomyshl psychoneurological residential institution", now is able to save money on payment of electricity bills and redirect them to other socially important needs.
Policy Influence
Increasing community awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of using alternative energy sources, expanding opportunities for CSOs to effectively engage in GEF SGP projects and activities contributed to local environmental policy, the project experience extended to national and international forums and platforms.
Policy Impact
Increasing community awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of using alternative energy sources, expanding opportunities for CSOs to effectively engage in GEF SGP projects and activities contributes to local environmental policy, the project experience extended to national and international forums and platforms.
Gender Focus
Particular attention is paid to supporting the equal participation of women in the implementation of project objectives along with men. The vast majority of people involved in the project are women. In particular, they are project consultants, personnel of the "Radomyshl psychoneurological residential institution", members of local environmental NGOs who have expressed their desire to join the project, as well as the formation of local women leaders' coalition.
Project sustainability
The impact of the project is a long lasting one, even after the end of GEF SGP funding. Conducting measures to increase the use of energy resources by economic agents through increased efficiency of their use, and through demonstration of the advantages of energy sources, increases the implementation of such initiatives in other communities.
Replication of project activities
The implementation of the project increased energy efficiency and improved the conditions for patients and employees of the "Radomyshl psychoneurological residential institution". Lower electricity consumption reduces the energy infrastructure load, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves on electricity bill payments. So the project experience can be scaled up to other public buildings as well: schools, hospitals, kindergartens, other social institutions etc.
Notable Community Participation
Young people from Radomyshl and Radomyshl district were actively involved in the project implementation. In particular, children from rural schools took part in public information and educational activities of the project. A part of the volunteers was involved in the repair and installation works in the laundry room of the "Radomyshl psychoneurological residential institution", in particular the project management team are local young people who gain environmental education in the capital and work to protect the objects of the nature reserve fund of Ukraine.
Project Results
The main objectives of the project were achieved: demonstration of the benefits of using alternative energy sources, raising awareness on benefits of access to low carbon energy, exploring new tools for community engagement and local authorities, improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of alternative energy sources and, accordingly, reducing the use of traditional energy sources and demonstrating to the community the benefits of using alternative sources of heating were made. First of all, in September 2018, a working group of the project was created, in particular, the activists of the organization held a meeting with the management of the "Radomyshl psychoneurological residential institution" and identified the need for energy efficiency measures of this facility, which would reduce the consumption of energy resources by business entities by increasing the efficiency of their use. Monitoring of the equipment market for the installation of the photovoltaic modules system was conducted and several procurement proposals were considered. The equipment was procured in accordance with the GEF SGP requirements and rules. Repair works, assembly and dismantling of structures, arrangement of structures in the premises of the bath-washing unit by the workers of "Radomyshl psychoneurological residential institution" hosting 214 disabled women were made. Then, in December 2018, 36 solar photovoltaic modules were put into operation. They collect the energy of the sun to provide washing machines of the laundry unit of the "Radomyshl psychoneurological residential institution". The maximum capacity of this solar power plant is 9900 Watts, which allows saving 9550 kWh per year (more than UAH 1,026,625) for other needs of the facility. The actual energy consumption of the facility is approximately 2500 kWh per month (more than UAH 268 thousand) and the maximum power consumption is 87 kW. In March 2019 in order to improve the living conditions of patients, there were installed LED outdoor lighting, namely 8 streetlights and 4 spotlights due to the efforts of the facility?s staff and volunteers of a public organization. Also, local authorities, communities, representatives of general educational institutions, business, mass media and others were involved in the project, as well as the awareness of citizens about the consequences of global warming and the opportunities of the community in solving global problems at the local level was increased. To do that a municipal activity "Days of Sustainable Energy in the city of Novograd-Volynsky" was held for the students of the 11 schools of the city. Moreover, an environmental game "Green Manager" was presented to students and teachers. Information on the activities carried out within the framework of the project was posted on the website of the "Green Zhytomyr Region" CSO Network (www.zelena.org.ua) and in the newspapers Zorya Polissya and Zhytomyrshchyna. In addition, the design and content of the website of the Network of Civil Organizations Society "Green Zhitomir Region" http://zelena.org.ua/ was developed.
