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Carbon-neutrality in municipalities can be achieved by combining individual heating (IH) and district heating (DH) solutions involving the use of renewable energy sources (RES). Each approach has advantages and disadvantages, but the best solution depends on the specific circumstances of each municipality. As an environmentally friendly and efficient energy use, a decentralised heat supply contributes to achieving energy conservation and emissions reduction goals. Decentralised energy use, such as solar collectors with an accumulation system or biomass as a resource, reduces dependence on centralised heat generation and transmission. Often, the appropriate infrastructure for connection to DH networks has not yet been built. On the other hand, it is easier to make investments to construct proper infrastructure in the case of large-scale centralised heat supply. Moreover, a centralised heat supply with RES can provide more inhabitants with RES heat energy. Within the framework of the study, the possibilities of using renewable energy sources in one of the municipalities of Latvia – the Carnikava parish of Ādaži Municipality – are analysed. The study examines two scenario complexes including IH solutions in buildings or DH solutions with a centralised approach. The study evaluates several alternatives to increase the share of RES (e.g., solar collectors, biomass, heat pumps, etc.) in the centralised heat supply. To evaluate RES individual solutions in various municipal buildings, the study evaluates alternatives with different technical solutions that increase the use of RES in heat supply.

As the consumption of fish in the human diet increases, a larger amount of production is needed. The growing demand for fish also has an impact on fish feed, its production efficiency and the sustainability of using raw materials. To evaluate the sustainability of raw materials and the impact on the environment, three protein alternatives are compared – black soldier fly, yellow mealworm and soybean. Each alternative has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of black soldier fly and yellow mealworm are a valuable source of protein, sustainable growth (as feed can be used for food waste) and no need for arable land. Disadvantages of black soldier fly and yellow mealworm are price, an unbalanced diet can negatively affect growth, and nutritional value effect on the fish vary depending on fly or mealworm species. The advantages of soybeans are price, availability and high protein content, but the disadvantages are a lack of essential amino acids that affect the quality of fish and poor palatability. An LCA study has been carried out for the black soldier fly, yellow mealworm and soybean protein. From PEFCR most relevant impact categories are climate change, particulate matter, acidification, land use, eutrophication terrestrial and water use. The total single score value for black soldier fly protein is 1.43E+01 μPt, for yellow mealworm protein is 3.89E+02 μPt and for soybean protein is 9.72E+01 μPt. Large impact is from electricity consumption, used components for feed. Sensitivity analysis was performed for black soldier fly protein and yellow mealworm protein production, where feed composition was changed. In sensitivity analysis environmental impact is less from the new feed structure. The reason might be that the new feed structure has used food waste and wheat as feed ingredients.

The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon has differential impacts on energy use and carbon emissions in buildings depending on the climate of the region and the urban planning strategies in place. This study explores the differential effects of UHI on energy use and carbon emissions in warm and cold climates, using North Africa and North Europe as case studies. We address the following research questions: 1) How does the UHI phenomenon impact energy use and carbon emissions in buildings in these regions? 2) What urban planning strategies are currently in place to mitigate the negative impacts of UHI on energy demand and emissions in these regions? 3) How effective are these strategies in mitigating the negative impacts of UHI on energy demand and emissions in both warm and cold climates? 4) What additional urban planning strategies could be implemented to reduce further the negative impacts of UHI on energy demand and emissions in both warm and cold climates? The UHI increases energy bills and emissions due to the higher demand for cooling energy in warm climates, while in cold climates, UHI reduces energy demand and emissions by decreasing the need for heating energy. Urban planning strategies, such as incorporating green space, using reflective materials, choice of colors, and designing for natural ventilation, can effectively mitigate the negative impacts of UHI on energy demand and emissions in both warm and cold climates. However, the effectiveness of these strategies varies depending on the climate of the region and the specific urban context. In this study, we will provide a recommendation for urban planning strategies that can be implemented to further reduce the negative impacts of UHI on energy demand and emissions in both warm and cold climates. Our study contributes to the understanding of the UHI phenomenon. It provides insights for urban planners and policymakers in developing effective strategies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in buildings and cities.

All European Union (EU) member states till 2020 had an obligatory target for energy efficiency. One of instruments for countries to achieve national energy efficiency goals is obligation for large companies (LC) and large electricity consumers (LEC) to implement certified energy management system or perform energy audit. In this study the Latvian case study of obligation for LC and LEC where examined. The analysis was carried out using a theory-based policy analysis method combined with evaluation criteria from the EU legislative assessment guidelines The Better Regulation Agenda – efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, coherence, added value, validity, complementarity, coordination, equality, sustainability and acceptability. To evaluate energy efficiency policy measures, it is also important to understand energy efficiency measures that will realistically meet the set company and national targets. AHP and TOPSIS analyzes were performed to evaluate these measures not only from energy efficiency but also from environmental, climate, engineering-technical, economic, and social aspects. The results allow us to assess the fate of existing policies and to draw conclusions on the improvements needed to meet energy efficiency and climate goals in the future.

Promoting sustainability in educational systems is crucial for preserving resources and diminishing negative impacts on the environment. A key aspect of this is enhancing energy efficiency within educational institutions. By implementing energy-efficient building systems, advancing the use of renewable energy sources, and incorporating sustainable practices into the curriculum, educational institutions can decrease their environmental impact and conserve resources for future generations. Active participation from all stakeholders, including managers, teaching staff, and students, is essential for the success of these efforts. Providing students with a comprehensive education on sustainability equips them to apply this knowledge in their future professions, thus contributing to a more sustainable society. This research paper aims to explore ways to increase sustainability in Latvia's vocational education system, with a specific focus on reducing energy consumption in buildings and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. A study of 23 professional schools has been conducted to understand the current state of sustainability in the educational system, including data collection on energy consumption and surveying the schools on their current energy efficiency practices, renewable energy sources, and environmental policies. The energy efficiency and renewable energy production measures have been optimized for each school. A composite indicator has been developed to rank and compare schools based on their sustainability, promoting the use of energy-efficient and renewable energy sources within a limited budget. Results of the study show that by implementing mandatory and optional measures, the schools can significantly decrease primary energy consumption by 32% and greenhouse gas emissions by 33%.

The review examines in detail the types of factors that may influence residents’ motivation to implement energy efficiency measures in multifamily housing. When analyzing heating energy consumption in multi-apartment buildings, three influencing factors must be considered: the condition of the building, technology-based solutions, and occupant behaviour. Studies show that in more developed countries, energy consumption of buildings can be reduced by 30 % to 80 % if energy efficiency is improved. Technology based solutions aim to reduce heat consumption, improve resource productivity, or replace outdated technologies, but these solutions often require large investments. Occupant behavior contributes to nearly 80 % of the variation in energy use. One of the ways to achieve these goals is to improve energy efficiency in multifamily buildings, because according to available literature, residential and commercial thermal energy consumption accounts for up to 20 % of total energy consumption in underdeveloped countries and up to 40 % in more developed countries. Changing people’s habits not only reduces heating energy consumption, but also does not require large investments for implementation.

To achieve the set climate targets by 2030 and become climate neutral by 2050, each Member State must develop a National Energy and Climate Plan (hereinafter – NECP) that contains practical and effective measures to achieve the targets set. The effectiveness of the agricultural and forestry measures defined in the Latvian NECP was assessed through the definition of appropriate indicators, an expert survey, and a composite sustainability index. The linkage between the measures or action lines in the Latvian NECP related to agriculture and forestry, the European Green Deal measures and the objectives of the European Union Bioeconomy Strategy was assessed. The results show that the effectiveness of agricultural and forestry measures is most influenced by factors such as quality, financing, and specificity. The description of the measures should be more detailed, with specific activities, indicators to be achieved, and amounts and funding sources planned for each activity. The lowest scoring measures are specific measures whose impacts cannot be measured and are not explicitly mentioned as relevant in the European Bioeconomy Strategy, the European Green Deal.

To achieve the goals of the bioeconomy, formal education is a cornerstone, as well as non-formal or lifelong learning and informal education. Professionals in their specific profession can expand their knowledge in the context of bioeconomy in non-formal education by attending various seminars and courses, acquiring knowledge in informal or self-education, and reading books, internet sources and other resources. Competencies in the bioeconomy are a cross-cutting element for a professional working in any field. RTU IESE is a leading institution providing non-formal and informal education in bioeconomy and Green Deal topics. This study aims to identify the potential of non-formal and informal education in achieving the goal of bioeconomy and the Green Deal. Non-formal and informal education is an essential type of education that can increase bioeconomy competencies for professionals. Seminars, conferences, courses, lectures, and workshops are non-formal education tools, but with informal – everyday learning (books, scientific papers, conversations, internet resources, TV, audio materials) it can be accelerated to reach bioeconomy and Green Deal goals faster.

Energy consumption in different sectors is responsible for more than 75 % of total EU greenhouse gas emissions. Energy is a priority when it comes to achieving climate goals and keeping greenhouse gas emissions low. The Green Deal is based on the need to use renewable energy sources in the energy sector while ensuring the replacement of fossil fuels and reducing energy dependence. The comparison of sustainable development trends in renewable energy sources (RES) is carried out for all sectors analysed in the study, such as industry, services, agriculture, transport and households. The aim of the study is to find out which of the types of RES is the most promising and sustainable in each sector and which factors influence this the most. The study develops a model that combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods to obtain the most objective and descriptive results possible on RES technologies in different sectors of the economy. In addition to a separate comparison of RES types by sector, a joint sectoral comparison was also made to evaluate the differences in development trends between the sectors considered. The highest rating level for sustainable development was achieved by the potential of biomass use in the agriculture and transport sectors. According to the obtained results, both solar energy and biomass have a high development potential in all analysed sectors, which is also reflected in the higher average values of the overall results.

Global trends in the world are currently representing a serious incentive to bring ‘green thinking’ to life. This is the case of replacing synthetic materials derived from fossil resources with natural-origin, renewable resources. In the automotive industry and other segments of the manufacturing industry, increasing attention is being paid to the use of natural fibers in the manufacturing of composite materials. For example, flax and hemp fiber, as reinforcing material, is starting to widely replace carbon fiber. It is not just an ecological benefit, but also an important product protecting human health, since the amount of emissions that pollute the environment is minimized. Consequently, that lead to reduced intake by human being of harmful substances that would affect its health status. Existing composite materials used in motor vehicles, produced from carbon fibers, are creating very sharp fracture areas in the event of accidents causing human injury, while materials from natural fiber plants in this case are free from sharp edges at the place of fracture. Raw materials derived from hemp processing are used in the automotive, textile industry, construction (hemp concrete, heat insulation material), energy, biofuel production, arts and design, paper production, food, medicine, etc. This paper covers the main types of products derived from hemp.

Europe has a course to zero emissions by 2050, with a strong emphasis on energy sector. Due to climatic conditions in Latvia, district heating (DH) plays an important role in the energy sector. One of the solutions to achieve the set goals in DH is to introduce emission-free technology. Therefore, the popularity of installation of large-scale solar collector plants continues to increase in DH in Europe. The first large-scale solar collector field in the Baltic States was installed in 2019. Solar collector active area is 21 672 m2 with heat storage water tank 8000 m3. The article shows the first operation results of this system and evaluates influencing factors. The results of the analysis show that system productivity is mainly demanded by solar radiation, and the strongest correlation between these parameters were established in May. The highest correlation between ambient air temperature and produced thermal energy is reached when ambient air temperature is between 7 °C to 15 °C and production process has not been externally regulated. The temperature difference between flow and return temperatures of the heat carrier affect solar collector performance minimally and strong correlation was not observed.

The aim of presented study was to identify the most promising new business models which could help to reach climate and energy targets. ‘Business model’ means new opportunities (e.g. business for profit or non-profit community collaboration models) enabled by various technologies in energy domains, i.e., heat and power supply and demand as well as mobility. Based on scientific publications, nine most important technologies and 37 new business models, which could be among the most important for sustainable energy transition, were identified. Mapping of the new business models was done by looking at synergies between the technologies and the energy domains. Valuation of the business models is done by finding ‘expected impact’ with regards to reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is obtained by multiplication of two factors: ‘potential’ and ‘feasibility’. The ’potential’ represents ability to reduce GHG emissions considering technical characteristics of technologies involved and scalability. The ‘feasibility’ indicates how realistic is implementation of the new business model in the near to mid-term. Experts in the field of energy and environmental engineering were interviewed to obtain scores for the ‘potential’ and the ‘feasibility’ for all business models. The results show that electric mobility is among the solutions with the largest expected impact for reduction of GHG emissions. Results of this valuation will be used to choose the most promising solutions for further analysis with system dynamic modelling.

Summarization: Biodiplomacy involves searching for a delicate balance and establishing a dialogue on the necessity to achieve international goals to develop the bioeconomy. The substantive basis of biodiplomacy is understanding bioresources, technological solutions for their extraction and use, indicators, and evaluation possibilities. The article is devoted to the establishment of a biodiplomatic institution. Such institutions will help young specialists in various economic sectors to develop competence approaches, acquire knowledge and build awareness that will make them competent to solve problems related to bioeconomy development and future, looking for efficient use of bio-resources and high value-added production. The aims and objectives of biodiplomatics are ambitious, which means that forms of study training must be attractive and multi-layered. Thus, the authors have analysed formative work assessment in the form of group work. With the help of a role game, the participation of different sections of society in developing the bioeconomy in agriculture, forestry and aquaculture was simulated. The article is devoted to the situation analysis, creating a model for building competencies, awareness, and knowledge of biodiplomats, and approbating it in the formative assessment work of the Riga Technical University bachelor’s study program in environmental engineering, organised as a role game. Presented on: Environmental and Climate Technologies

Implementation of bioeconomy has become an important topic on the national and global scale. Bioeconomy and its development is considered to be affected by many factors, for example, climate change, production, technology, waste and so on. Even more, there are linkages between these factors which, when discovered, could help to achieve one of the bioeconomy’s goals – sustainable use of bioresources. This paper analysis the interlinkage between two bioeconomy affecting factors – climate change and production. It was discovered that between two chosen factors there are seven common indicators: greenhouse gas emissions, investments in energy efficiency, energy consumption, waste generated, resource productivity, created wastewater, and use of freshwater. Regression method was used to conduct the strongest links between these common indicators. Results showed that the strongest links are between the indicators: resource productivity and GHG emissions, energy consumption and waste generated, and resource productivity and waste generated.

This report is one of five deliverables related to WP6 ‘Development and evaluation of guidelines and web-based preliminary assessment tool‘. The prime objective of WP6 is to develop and to assess written and web-based guidelines and a web tool (including a feasibility study of possible input and output data) for renovation of historic buildings with internal insulation. This deliverable contains the written guidelines, referring to Task 6.1, consisting of a guideline for setting the goal of applying internal insulation (Section 3), a guideline for deciding whether a building is suitable for internal insulation (Section 4), a guideline for selecting an internal insulation system (Section 5) and a guideline for evaluating the energy saving potential and the environmental impact (Section6). The written guidelines are also made accessible through a web-site, described in deliverable D6.3.

This report is one of five deliverables related to WP6 ‘Development and evaluation of guidelines and web-based preliminary assessment tool‘. The prime objective of WP6 is to develop and to assess written and web-based guidelines and a web tool (including a feasibility study of possible input and output data) for renovation of historic buildings with internal insulation. This deliverable contains the written guidelines, referring to Task 6.1, consisting of a guideline for setting the goal of applying internal insulation (Section 3), a guideline for deciding whether a building is suitable for internal insulation (Section 4), a guideline for selecting an internal insulation system (Section 5) and a guideline for evaluating the energy saving potential and the environmental impact (Section 6). The written guidelines are also made accessible through a web-site, described in deliverable D6.3.

ispartof: pages:1-87 status: published

The paper discovers biotechonomy development analysis by use of system dynamics modelling. The research is connected with investigations of biomass application for production of bioproducts with higher added value. The most popular bioresource is wood, and therefore, the main question today is about future development and eco-design of products. The paper emphasizes and evaluates energy sector which is open for use of wood logs, wood chips, wood pellets and so on. The main aim for this research study was to build a framework to analyse development perspectives for wood pellet production. To reach the goal, a system dynamics model of energy wood supplies, processing, and consumption is built. Production capacity, energy consumption, changes in energy and technology efficiency, required labour source, prices of wood, energy and labour are taken into account. Validation and verification tests with available data and information have been carried out and indicate that the model constitutes the dynamic hypothesis. It is found that the more is invested into pellets production, the higher the specific profit per production unit compared to wood logs and wood chips. As a result, wood chips production is decreasing dramatically and is replaced by wood pellets. The limiting factor for pellet industry growth is availability of wood sources. This is governed by felling limit set by the government based on sustainable forestry principles., {"references":["World Bioenergy Association, WBA global bioenergy statistics 2015, 2015","F. Matthews, Global wood pellet market outlook, Halifax, WPAC Annual Conference, 2015","M. Šupín, Wood processing and furniture manufacturing challenges on the world market: Wood pellet global market development, 2015 pp. 255–260","European Biomass Association, European bioenergy outlook: AEBIOM statistical report 2015, 2015, p. 28","PÖYRY, PÖYRY view point global market, players and trade to 2020: Pellets - Becoming a Global Commodity? 2016, p. 7","Argus Biomass Markets report. Last accessed on (19.10.2016): https://www.argusmedia.com/~/media/files/pdfs/samples/argus-biomass.pdf/?la=en","SIA \"Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Institute (Meža un koksnes produktu pētniecības un attīstības institūts)\". Research – Forecast for availability of energetic wood in Baltic states (Pētījums – Enerģētiskās koksnes resursu pieejamības prognozes Baltijas valstīs), Jelgava, 2015, p. 69","J. D. Sterman, Business dynamics: systems thinking and modeling for a complex world, Boston: Irwin/McGraw-Hill, 2000, pp. 3-39.","J. W. Forrester, \"Industrial dynamics - after the first decade,\" Management Science, vol. 14, no. 7, pp. 398-415, 1968. \n[10]\tA. Blumberga, D. Blumberga, G. Bazbauers, P. Davidsen, E. Moxnes, I. Dzene and et al., System Dynamics for Environmental Engineering Students, Riga: Riga Technical University, Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, 2011. \n[11]\tS. Albin, Building a system dynamics model part 1: Conceptualization, Cambridge: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1997. \n[12]\tA. Blumberga, G. Bazbauers, P. Davidsen, D. Blumberga, A. Gravelsins and T. Prodanuks, System dynamics for modeling of biotechonomy (\"Sistēmdinamika biotehonomikas modelēšanai\"), Riga: Riga Technical University, 2016. \n[13]\tCentral Statistical Bureau of Latvia. Last accessed on (19.10.2016): http://www.csb.gov.lv/dati/statistikas-datubazes-28270.html\n[14]\tForest law. Last accessed on (19.10.2016): http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=2825\n[15]\tCabinet of Ministers order about felling amount. Last accessed on (19.10.2016): http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=212628"]}

The Flex4RES project investigates how an intensified interaction between coupled energy markets, supported by coherent regulatory frameworks, can facilitate the integration of high shares of variable renewable energy (VRE), in turn ensuring stable, sustainable and cost-efficient Nordic energy systems. Through a holistic system approach based on coupled energy markets, we identify potentials, costs and benefits of achieving flexibility in the Nordic electricity market created by the heat, gas and transport sectors as well as by electricity transmission and ge neration. Flex4RES develops and applies a multidisciplinary research strategy that combines technical analysis of flexibility needs and potentials, economic analysis of markets and regulatory frameworks, and energy system modelling that quantifies impacts. Through the development of a coherent regulatory frameworks and market designs that facilitate market interactions, which are optimal for the Nordic conditions in an EU context, transition pathways to sustainable Nordic energy systems are identified. Flex4RES will comprehensively discuss and disseminate the recommended pathways and market designs for achieving a future Nordic sustainable energy solution with a variety of stakeholders from government, industry and civil society.

This report provides an analysis and evaluation of a state-of-the-art of internal insulation materials and methods for application in historic buildings, and review on methods, tools and guidelines used as decision making tools for implementation of internal insulation in historic buildings. Historic buildings in RIBuild represent all types of protected1 and non-protected buildings built before 1945. The survey is limited to buildings with heavy walls (stone, brick, timber framing), thus excluding wooden buildings. This report provides an analysis and evaluation of a state-of-the-art of internal insulation materials and methods for application in historic buildings, and review on methods, tools and guidelines used as decision making tools for implementation of internal insulation in historic buildings. Historic buildings in RIBuild represent all types of protected1 and non-protected buildings built before 1945. The survey is limited to buildings with heavy walls (stone, brick, timber framing), thus excluding wooden buildings.

The operational eco-intensity of a heat supply system is dependent upon the interaction of its elements and their common performance. It is of special importance to gain insight into possibilities to reduce chip fuel consumption in the case when an additional element – a gas condenser – is installed in a boiler house. The efficiency of a system's operation is estimated by its eco-intensity; such estimates concern the influence exerted by technological parameters on the reduction in natural resource consumption, allowing this problem to be thoroughly analysed by means of definite factors promoting the eco-intensity rise. Based on the results of commercial experiment, the authors have found the independent variables for the case of gas condenser without packing.The eco-intensity of a boiler house operation decreases as the outdoor temperature falls and therefore the boiler's load should be increased. This aspect could be due to several causes, among which the most important are: the deviations of the operating parameters of the gas condenser, the increase in the flue gas velocity, and temperature. Analytical treatment of the influence exerted by a boiler's specific load on the operational efficiency of its energy has shown that as this former grows, the efficiency decreases and therefore less heat energy could be derived from the gas condenser. This should be taken into account at simulation of the control over a gas condenser's operation. Article in English. Ekologinio intesyvumo namą šildant skiedromis analizė Santrauka.Ekologinis intensyvumas priklauso nuo šilumos tiekimo sistemos elementų sąveikos ir jų bendro veikimo. Tai ypač svarbu tiriant galimybes sumažinti skiedrų kuro sąnaudas tuo atveju, kai šildomame name yra įdiegtas papildomas elementas – dujų kondensatorius. Sistemos veikimo efektyvumas įvertinamas pagal jos ekologinį intensyvumą; tokie vertinimai susiję su įtaka technologiniams parametrams mažinant gamtinių išteklių naudojimą. Remdamiesi tyrimo duomenimis, autoriai nustatė nepriklausomuosius dujų kondensatoriaus kintamuosius.Šildomo namo ekologinis intensyvumas susijęs su lauko temperatūra. Kai ji nukrinta, apkrova turėtų būti padidinama. Tai lemia kelios priežastys, iš jų svarbiausios: dujų kondensatoriaus darbinių parametrų nuokrypiai, išmetamųjų dujų greičio padidėjimas ir temperatūra. Atlikta analizė parodė, kad didinant katilo formą, sistemos efektyvumas mažėja, ir todėl mažiau šilumos energijos tiekiama iš dujų kondensatoriaus. Tai turėtų būti įtraukta į dujų kondensatoriaus veikimo kontrolės modeliavimo skaičiavimus. Reikšminiai žodžiai:dujų kondensatorius,skiedromis šildomas namas,šilumos tiekimo sistema,optimizacija,ekologinis intensyvumas,komerciniai tyrimai,aplinkos tausojimas

The work of the BioNormII on Fuel specification and classes (Task IV) has very valuable in upgrading of EN 14961 to European standard. Testing of the draft versions of EN 14961 in companies and collecting feedback from associations has provided useful information from practise in setting threshold values for property tables in Part 1 of EN 14961 and proposal for classification of product standards. The Task IV has also made a comprehensive study of current classification of used wood (waste wood) including implementation of European legislations and standards. The study included also analysis of different used wood sortiments and their composition especially con­ taminants. It is necessary to define the impact of possible contaminants on the energy utilisation of used wood. This is helpful for categorisation, as well as for identification and characterisation of the contaminants. From an environ­ mental point of view, the risks of used wood combustion are air pollution from flue gases or leaching of hazardous substances from ash after disposal. Operation failure, normally appearing as boiler deposit formation or corrosion, is a technical issue that also needs to be considered. Mechanically, problems in fuel conveyors may occur due to glass, fittings, and various fastening systems that are attached to “used wood” products. Another important aspect to be ac­ counted for is issues related to occupational health. All these aspects were surveyed during the study. The project also made a proposal for overall categorisation of chemically treated industrial wood residues and used wood. In this clas­ sification used wood is divided in 4 categories A, B, C and D. Categories A and B are classified under EN 14961-1– Solid biofuel standard and class C under EN 15359–Solid recovered fuel. Fuels falling into category C should be in­ cinerated according Waste Incineration Directive (2000/76/EC). Class D wood is treated by wood preservatives and is hazardous waste., Proceedings of the 18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition, 3-7 May 2010, Lyon, France, pp. 1932-1939

Research on solar combisystems for the Nordic and Baltic countries have been carriedout. The aim was to develop competitive solar combisystems which are attractive tobuyers and to educate experts in the solar heating field.The participants of the projects were the universities: Technical University of Denmark,Dalarna University, University of Oslo, Riga Technical University and Lund Institute ofTechnology, as well as the companies: Metro Therm A/S (Denmark), Velux A/S(Denmark), Solentek AB (Sweden), SolarNor (Norway) and SIA Grandeg (Latvia).The project included education, research, development and demonstration. Theactivities started in 2003 and were finished by the end of 2006. A number of Ph.D.studies in Denmark, Sweden and Latvia, and a post-doc. study in Norway were carriedout. Close cooperation between the researchers and the industry partners ensured thatthe results of the projects can be utilized. The industry partners will soon be able tobring the developed systems into the market.In Denmark and Norway the research and development focused on solarheating/natural gas systems, and in Sweden and Latvia the focus was on solarheating/pellet systems. Additionally, Lund Institute of Technology and University ofOslo studied solar collectors of various types being integrated into the building.

Pilot versions of a solar heating/natural gas burner system, of a solar heating/pellet burner system and of a façade/roof integrated polymeric collector have been installed in the summer of 2006 in a number of demonstration houses in Denmark, Sweden and Norway.These three new products have been evaluated by means of measurements of the thermal performance and energy savings of the pilot systems in practice and by means of a commercial evaluation.The conclusion of the evaluations is that the products are attractive for the industry partners METRO THERM A/S, Solentek and SOLARNOR. It is expected that the companies will bring the products into the market in 2007.Further, the results of the project have been presented atinternational and national congresses and seminars for the solar heating branch. The congresses and seminars attracted a lot of interested participants.Furthermore, the project results have been published in international congress papers as well as in national journals in the energy field.Consequently, the Nordic solar heating industry will benefit from the project.

Highly efficient cogeneration and district heating systems have significant potential for primary energy savings which are still highly underutilized in the European Union. They also represent a very important factor when it comes to the planning of future energy systems because of their potential to increase the flexibility of the overall system and therefore enable a higher level of the utilization of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and photovoltaic. The goal of this work is to present and utilize a heat demand mapping methodology on a case study for the city of Osijek in Croatia and to analyze the potential such systems have on the increase of the penetration of intermittent renewables. The data obtained through the mapping process have been used to create several scenarios for the development of Osijek's energy system with a high penetration of district heating, wind and solar energy. The EnergyPLAN modelling tool has been used to perform the energy system analysis created for this paper.