One of the painful environmental problems caused by Lithuanian farmers is burning of straw leftovers on fields in autumn and spring seasons. In this way biodiversity is harmed, and emissions of green house gasses (GHG) are increased.

The objective of the project is to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and to reduce burning of straw on fields. The project aims to demonstrate how local community can contribute to the solution of the problem, and, on the other hand, to reduce air pollution as well as to minimize community?s premises heating costs. It is expected that a social life of Alvitas and surrounding communities will become more active, as the Community House is the main place for the public gatherings in the locality.

During the project the heating energy saving means as well as biomass (straw) boiler system will be installed in the Community House. The Municipality of Vilkaviskis will co-finance partial renovation of the building, and local people are going to assist in renovation works. The community already has made agreements with local farmers on free supply of the straw for the Community?s House heating. It was also agreed with local library and secondary school to share community?s premises, and so to get additional assistance for the maintenance of the future boiler system.

Numerous seminars and trainings for the communities in the district will be organized. The grantees are also going to collect information on what companies can install waste-biomass boilers, and what are possibilities for the local farmers to use their waste straw for heating and other purposes.