Green Energy Complex: Eco-modernization of the Shakhtar Sports and Recreation Complex - Climate adaptation for sustainable development

Novovolynsk City Territorial Community, historically reliant on coal, has embarked on a transformation toward energy efficiency and climate neutrality. Since joining the Covenant of Mayors in 2021, the community has committed to reducing CO₂ emissions and improving climate resilience through the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP). However, the outdated infrastructure of 150 Soviet-era municipal facilities remains a significant challenge. These facilities are characterized by poor energy efficiency, high operational costs, and the inability to meet modern environmental standards.Among these buildings, the Shakhtar Sports and Recreation Complex (SRC) has been selected as a demonstration site for the integration of energy-efficient solutions, renewable energy, and nature-based climate adaptation measures. The facility, located in the heart of Novovolynsk, serves over 8,200 visitors annually, including schoolchildren, youth, the elderly, and professional athletes. However, it has not been renovated since 1965, and its inefficient systems result in an 88.68 MWh annual energy overrun and uncomfortable conditions for visitors. Additionally, the lack of green infrastructure has led to the degradation of the surrounding area, which has become a chaotic parking zone, contributing to increased emissions and a poor urban microclimate.The goal of the project is to modernize the Shakhtar SRC by implementing nature-based climate adaptation solutions, energy efficiency measures, and renewable energy generation. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and transform the facility into a climate-resilient sports hub, setting an example for sustainable infrastructure that can be replicated across the community. It will serve as a model for similar initiatives in 26 additional municipal facilities, including 11 schools, 11 kindergartens, and 4 community centers, which face comparable energy and environmental challenges.The project im…