Beyond the Construction | Demystifying the Human Side of Energy Policy
Energy renovation. For most, the term conjures images of insulation, new windows, and maybe, "a lower electric energy bill."
But what about the real challenges? The ones that happen long before the first worker arrives?
This is what’s known as "Behind the Construction"– the complex, often messy, human side of the process. It's about securing a two-thirds majority in a building where neighbours barely speak. It's about navigating complex permits and, most importantly, building trust.
This was the central theme of a vital conference in Niš, organized by our client, the Platform for Energy Transition (PET). Publicity Bureau was proud to provide PR support for an event that moves beyond technical specs and dares to ask the hard questions.
The conference, supported by German Development Cooperation (GIZ), brought together energy managers, designers, building managers, and public officials to demystify the entire renovation journey.
Here’s a brief on the key takeaways.
The Guide
The day kicked off with the launch of the "Behind the Construction: A Guide to Building Renovation," presented by PET's Bojan Gajić. This isn't just another technical brochure. It's a practical manual for tenants and building managers, guiding them through the four essential phases, from the initial "is this even possible?" dilemma to finally living in a renovated home.
The Hard Truths
The conversation quickly went deeper. Energy expert Aleksandar Kovačević delivered a powerful analysis of the socio-economic reality:
Public Good vs. Private Property: He stressed that while renovation happens on private property, the energy saved is a direct contribution to the entire nation's energy system.
The Tariff Trap: He warned that recent changes (lowering the threshold for the "red" electric energy consumption zone) will disproportionately impact the poorest households.
The Economic Paradox: Kovačević explained that citizens don't just bank their savings. They redirect that money into other consumption, raising their standard of living and, in turn, driving economic growth.
Goran Vučković, PhD and PET co-founder, shared lessons from dozens of on-the-ground audits. He highlighted how tenant apathy or poor interpersonal relationships can kill even the best-planned projects. He also delivered a critical piece of news: mandatory energy performance certificates are coming for all existing buildings.
The 360° View - The Female Experts’ Panel
The central panel, "Myths and Misconceptions," provided an invaluable 360-degree view from the citizens' perspective. Moderated by PET's Tanja Popovicki, the all-female panel of experts shared front-line experiences: Tanja Obradović (Urban Planner), Ana Radojević (Energy Manager, City of Kragujevac), Jelena Krajinović (Math Teacher and Building Manager, Kula), and Snežana Kostadinović (PUC "Gradsko stambeno," Belgrade).
They covered everything from the crucial need for direct communication and planning (Radojević) to the practical challenges of coordinating works and maintaining new systems (Krajinović).
The Bureau's Take
We're so proud to support clients like PET. This conference succeeded because it wasn't afraid to tackle the human element at the heart of a technical issue.
At its core, this is a communications challenge. It’s about translating complex policy into real-world, human stories. It’s about building coalitions, managing expectations, and fostering trust. This is exactly the kind of meaningful work we love to support.
Congratulations to the entire PET team on this fantastic event, which was featured in Energetski Portal, Južne Vesti, and TV Belle Amie.