Young Energy Champions: Students in Bar Take the Lead in Montenegro's Green Transition
Thirty students at OŠ "Srbija" – Stari Bar in Bar, Montenegro, recently took part in an interactive energy efficiency workshop — learning how their daily habits affect energy consumption, air quality and the environment.
What made the occasion especially meaningful: the workshop took place in their own school, which has just completed a full energy renovation under the "Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings of Montenegro" project, implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Mining with EU and KfW support.
The students engaged in lively discussion with Ljubiša Pavićević, Director of the Energy Efficiency Directorate at the Ministry, exploring why buildings account for more than one third of Montenegro's total energy use — and what a renovated school means in practice.
The session covered renewable energy sources, the difference between finite fossil fuels and clean alternatives, and a set of simple but effective habits every student can adopt immediately.
"A renovated school is more than new walls and windows — it is a living lesson in how using less energy can create better conditions for work, learning and wellbeing. When such conditions become everyday reality, they shape a young person into a conscious individual who embraces modern, sustainable ways of living."
— Mirjana Vučević, Principal, OŠ "Srbija" – Stari Bar
The workshop highlighted practical, actionable steps — switching off lights when leaving a room, unplugging chargers, closing windows while heating is on, taking shorter showers, and sorting waste. Students were encouraged to share what they learned with families and friends, multiplying the impact beyond the school gates.
"The energy transition is not only a question of technology and investment — it is above all a question of changing mindsets. Investments in insulation, windows, LED lighting and renewables deliver their full effect only when accompanied by responsible behaviour. That is precisely why the Ministry of Energy and Mining treats youth education as an integral part of the public building renovation project, not an add-on."
— Admir Šahmanović, Minister of Energy and Mining of Montenegro
The goal of the workshop was not only to transfer knowledge, but to encourage students to become active drivers of change in their homes and local communities. Habits formed in childhood tend to last a lifetime — and Montenegro's green future depends on young people like those at OŠ "Srbija" internalising that message.
OŠ "Srbija" – Stari Bar is one of 20 public buildings being renovated across Montenegro under the "Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings" project — comprising 18 primary and secondary schools, one home for the elderly and one student dormitory. The project has a total value of €59.8 million (€45 million KfW loan, €4.8 million EU grant via REEP, €10 million national co-financing) and covers a combined floor area of 80,000 m². It is being implemented from December 2019 to December 2027 by the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro.
---
About REEP
Launched in 2013 under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP) supports renewable energy and energy efficiency investments across the region. With over €1 billion mobilised to date, it has refurbished more than 90 public buildings, supported 1,500 SMEs and 20,000 households. The achieved annual CO₂ emissions saved is equivalent to removing 183,000+ cars from the roads.