Training of local craftsmen & household access to energy-saving solutions, Kyrgyzstan
Partners
- CAMP Alatoo, an association based in Kyrgyzstan, specializing in education and training in the management of natural resources, with a particular focus on energy issues.
- GERES (Groupe Energie Renouvelables, Environnement et Solidarité) is an NGO for climate solidarity, fighting climate change and working to support local populations. GERES worked with CAMP Alatoo and the project's craftsmen to help them improve their skills in thermal insulation.
Context & area of intervention
Overview of the project area
Energy poverty combined with high vulnerability to climate change will have a considerable impact on the livelihoods of rural communities. Energy insecurity in the region is characterized by insufficient and unequal access to various energy sources, with rural households relying on solid fuels (coal, biomass, wood) for heating and cooking. Access to and use of electricity are limited due to limited or non-existent equipment/infrastructure and insufficient resources to pay for its use. At the same time, energy losses are high due to energy-hungry buildings, infrastructure and appliances.
Training and supporting craftsmen in energy efficiency for rural areas is therefore an opportunity to raise the local population's standard of living thanks to affordable energy-saving products implemented locally.
Main objectives (2021 -2023)
- Increase the capacity of local craftsmen to introduce effective and affordable domestic energy-saving solutions through training in the basics of service promotion and modern home insulation technologies in mountainous areas (20 craftsmen trained).
- Improve access to affordable domestic energy-saving solutions for rural residents through simplified financial mechanisms
- Evaluate household energy savings to demonstrate that implemented solutions can maximize energy efficiency and reduce heating costs in residential buildings.
Main results of phase 1 of the project (2021 - 2023)
- A pool of 12 craftsmen, located in the Issyk-Kul Oblast (Province), are able to assess the specific insulation requirements of houses, choose the most appropriate domestic energy-saving solutions, calculate the quantities of building materials, carry out insulation work correctly and promote their activity.
Houses renovated or undergoing thermal renovation (exterior walls, roofs)
- The working capital for the free-interest loan scheme for local households is now up and running, and is being gradually replenished. A total of 24 households chose to improve the energy efficiency of their homes during this first phase. Most of the work involved (in order of importance): external wall insulation, roof insulation, window replacement.
- Following initial observations and assessments in the field, it was found that certain types of work were not, or were only marginally, mastered. GERES was therefore commissioned by the Foundation to carry out a shared diagnosis and provide additional training. These focused on 3 subjects: internal wall insulation, insulation of wooden floors (very common in the region), and ventilation.
GERES training (interior walls, wooden floors, ventilation)
- Qualitative assessments carried out by the Foundation in the field, as well as CAMP's household surveys, have shown both a reduction in fuel consumption (particularly coal, with consumption down by as much as 50% compared with winters before insulation) and a clear improvement in comfort during the heating season.
Areas for improvement
In assessing the implementation of the first phase, a number of areas for improvement were identified:
- A need to adapt the geographical strategy: the project encountered difficulties in gaining a foothold in the Naryn Oblast, which was also involved in the project. While there is a strong interest in thermal insulation work in these areas above 3,000 meters above sea level, administrative and other barriers restricted access to working capital for local masons.
- A need to obtain quantified data on improvements (temperature, humidity, consumption) in order to objectify qualitative information on the improvement in thermal comfort declared by households.
- The need to communicate more, via various channels, about these improvements, in order to achieve one of the project's objectives, namely to spread the culture of thermal insulation.
Phase II objectives (2023 - 2026)
On the strength of the initial positive results and based on the findings of the first phase, it was decided to renew the project for a second phase, including operational adjustments:
- Review of the geographical strategy, with an "oil slick" approach. This will involve extending the project to areas closer to Naryn, at the limit of the mobility perimeter of the masons already involved in the project. In phase 2, an additional 15 craftsmen will be trained in towns and villages around Lake Issyk-Kul.
- Working capital is increased to absorb the activity of these new craftsmen.
- An experimental monitoring system has been set up. Based on a clear protocol, 3 houses of various types were selected to take a series of measurements (temperature, humidity, fuel consumption) the winter before and the winter after the thermal insulation work was carried out. The households concerned were trained to record consumption data, and sensors were installed in the "key" rooms of the dwellings. In return, the project will co-finance part of the insulation work.
One of the houses selected for the monitoring system
Training a family to collect fuel consumption data
- Based on this empirically collected data and the testimonials of the families involved, communication materials will be developed and distributed via various channels (PROMEE project website, social networks, etc.).
Useful links
Link to national partner CAMP Alatoo - https://www.camp.kg/