Specific features of district heating in Lithuanian multi-apartment buildings

Lithuanian District Heating Association, 08200 V. Gerulaicio 10, Vilnius, Lithuania

^* Corresponding author: ramune@lsta.lt

Abstract

This paper analyzes the key characteristics, historical context and current challenges of district heating (DH) supply in multi-apartment houses of Lithuania. Special attention is given to the technical and social characteristics of post-Soviet type buildings, the progress of their renovation, and the modernization of internal heating and hot water systems. Based on over ten years of data collected by the Lithuanian District Heating Association, four main groups of apartment buildings are identified according to their energy efficiency, with this information used to educate and consult end-consumers to accelerate energy efficiency measures. The paper overview state aid renovation programs and highlights the necessity and challenges of shalow renovation in meeting mandatory legal requirements of apartment buildings engineering infrastructure. The paper concludes that stronger state involvement, improved incentive schemes, and mandatory energy performance standards are essential for accelerating energy efficiency improvements in the Lithuanian residential building sector.