Zhytomyr continues to partner with international organizations that support energy efficiency initiatives in the city’s residential sector. Today, representatives of the international technical assistance project “Support to the Energy Efficiency Fund and Environmental Reform Program (S21) in Ukraine”, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, visited Zhytomyr.

The purpose of the visit was to review the energy modernization measures already implemented in residential buildings, discuss the challenges faced by the community, and explore new forms of cooperation.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the city’s experience with the “Energodim” program, which has been implemented in Zhytomyr for several years. Over the past two years, eight homeowners associations (HOAs) joined the program, and the local budget provided reimbursements totaling over UAH 5 million. For 2025, an additional UAH 5.5 million has been allocated to support new applications.

Zhytomyr has significant experience in implementing energy efficiency projects. Even before the full-scale invasion, energy-saving measures had been carried out in 224 multi-apartment buildings under the “Warm Loans” program, followed by the insulation of 15 residential buildings as part of the “Energodim” program. Comprehensive thermal modernization can reduce heating costs by more than half, with energy savings exceeding 50%.

In addition to financial support, Zhytomyr is developing systemic approaches. In cooperation with GIZ, the city has developed the Integrated Urban Development Concept of Zhytomyr until 2030, a Sustainable Energy Action Plan, a Cycling Infrastructure Development Strategy, and an Environmental Strategy until 2050.

GIZ also plans to focus on training project managers within communities. This includes educating specialists who can support HOAs in submitting applications for energy efficiency funding.

As of today, over 60% of Zhytomyr’s residential housing stock is managed by HOAs — a dramatic increase from just 6% in 2015. This growth reflects the development of a culture of co-ownership. The city remains committed to participating in new energy efficiency programs and encouraging residents to take an active role in driving energy-efficient changes.

As part of the GIZ visit, a meeting was held with the boards of five Zhytomyr HOAs: “Obriy-21”, “Shevchenka 41”, “Shevchenka 43”, “Rikhtera 31”, and “Vulyk-21”. All of these associations are participants in the “Energodim” project. The board representatives shared their experiences implementing energy efficiency measures and discussed the key challenges they face. The meeting also included discussions on participating in future Energy Efficiency Fund projects and opportunities for receiving international support.