To keep the urban jungle green, we need to ensure that the new buildings that are rapidly built meet the highest standards of sustainability, creating both an aesthetically pleasing and a safe and pleasant environment for the residents and visitors of the city. To achieve this goal, we have set clear priorities for how new buildings in Vilnius should be designed.

Sustainable energy

New buildings are designed to overcome the most rational sources of renewable energy. Buildings are designed to accommodate solar power plants on their roofs, as well as remote solar power plants, and geothermal building heating systems. New buildings are also equipped with energy-efficient indoor and outdoor lighting with an efficiency of more than 150 lm/W. This helps to reduce energy costs and maintain a high quality of lighting.

Water conservation

New buildings use water-saving sanitary appliances and household appliances, as well as planting of plants that are appropriate to the site and require less maintenance and extra watering, and water-saving irrigation facilities are installed. In addition, sustainable drainage systems, such as wet and dry swales, are designed to collect and evaporate rainwater and reduce the need for sewage facilities. Oil and grease traps are used to reduce groundwater pollution.

Closer to nature

The design of new buildings includes solutions to increase biodiversity and bring everyday life closer to nature, such as planting flowers, trees, bird nesting boxes and insect hotels. A detailed analysis of green spaces is also carried out, recommendations for improvement are made, biodiversity assessments are organised and vegetation management plans are developed.

Nature is also returning to educational institutions, with new school projects creating vegetable gardens and raised beds, encouraging schoolchildren to learn about wildlife, while fostering community spirit and contributing to children’s emotional well-being. Schools also have outdoor classrooms, so that when the weather is good, schoolchiren can learn in the fresh air. This not only diversifies the educational process but also improves their health.

Roofs of the newly developed buildings are landscaped, light-coloured, or used to create recreation and leisure areas, thus, reducing the heat island effect, lowering energy consumption in summer and making recreation areas more accessible.

Smart solutions and high standards

To ensure a reliable and sustainable building infrastructure, an internal standard for the design and construction of sustainable buildings, setting out holistic sustainability criteria for material and water use, waste management, transparent governance and the well-being of building users is planned to be developed. All major new buildings are equipped with building management systems that efficiently manage engineering equipment and help save energy and resources. Digital BIM models are being developed for all new projects over EUR 1.5 million to smooth the design and construction process.

Comprehensive pollution reduction

To reduce light pollution, new buildings are designed with automatic time and daylight sensors, with lighting directed down to functional areas. The design of buildings provides a range of solutions to reduce noise pollution: sound modelling, acoustic walls for rooftop equipment, etc. New buildings are equipped with CO2 sensors to improve air quality and save energy costs for ventilation.

Closer to communities

For projects that are the subject of architectural competitions, workshops with communities are carried out during the conception phase to incorporate their ideas and needs. To ensure active participation and awareness, three meetings are held with residents: the workshop, the presentation of the winning entry in the architectural design competition, and the publicity of the design proposals. Accessibility of the new buildings to the different communities is ensured as far as possible, designing areas with separate entrances and taking into account the highest security standards. Buildings and public areas are adapted for people with special needs and disabilities, with adapted infrastructure, according to the principles of universal design.

What can you do?

Everyone has an important role to play in creating a more sustainable urban environment. You can choose environmentally friendly solutions for your home, such as installing solar power plants or purchasing water-saving devices. You can also take part in various projects, such as green space initiatives or community events. Small actions such as sorting waste or saving energy can help reduce your ecological footprint. Be active and integrate sustainability principles into your daily life.