INCREASING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF BUILDINGS IN THE AREA OF THE CITY OF BANJA LUKA AS A FUNCTION OF ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGES

Abstract

The negative effects of climate change that occur because of natural cycles and anthropogenic
action are reflected in all aspects of the environment and life of modern man: human health,
ecosystems, economy, social issues, and the like. This is evidenced by the extreme values of
climate parameters (high summer temperatures, heavy rainfall, and floods), which have become
more frequent in the last few decades. Due to the threat to the health and survival of the population
in certain areas, there is a need to take significant steps regard to this. Adaptation to changed
climate conditions has become one of the most important methods used by local communities in
predicting the future impacts and risks of climate change. One way to combat these consequences
is to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, which has many positive effects. Warming of
buildings (envelope optimization) primarily affects the reduction of the need for energy
consumption for heating and cooling of buildings, which in the long-term results in a reduction of
CO2 emissions, as well as economic savings. The use of new construction technologies and the
development of modern urbanism in the direction of increasing the quality of living space, and
therefore the quality of life of the population of urban areas, would greatly affect energy efficiency,
environmental protection, reduction of the negative effects of climate change, and thus the
achievement of the goals of sustainable development.