Photo: Nefco

Nefco’s main focus in Eastern Europe relates to its Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine. We partner with Ukrainian municipalities to address both direct and indirect consequences of the war and help them build back greener and better. 

Currently, the programme provides support for short-term repairs and restoration of critical infrastructure and public service buildings, rebuilding of utilities and facilities serving internally displaced persons (IDPs) and capacity building for Local Green Recovery Plans. The ultimate goals are to strengthen the resilience of the Ukrainian people and promote sustainable development and further integration of Ukraine with Europe.

Chernivtsi, a city in the southwest of Ukraine, has faced the challenge of excessive costs to maintain and provide utility services for its public buildings. Energy audits highlighted significant energy overconsumption, with decades of neglect having resulted in substantial heat losses. 

With grant support from the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P), a loan from Nefco and technical assistance from Sweden, the city of Chernivtsi implemented much-needed energy-efficiency measures in 16 schools, 15 daycare centres and 2 healthcare institutions. During 2018-2023, the buildings underwent capital renovation, including modernisation of thermal envelopes and replacement of heating systems. One more building is set to be finished in 2024.

Full story: Thermal modernisation of Chernivtsi facilities

Projects funded through the Nefco Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine are completed in an efficient and timely manner.
At the end of 2023, there were 40 green recovery projects ongoing and several new ones in the pipeline.

“The ultimate goals are to strengthen the resilience of the Ukrainian people and promote sustainable development and further integration of Ukraine with Europe.”