Community center in Põlgaste
Energy-efficient community center in Põlgaste
In the village of Põlgaste is a vibrant community center that serves as both a central hub and the heart of local life. The Põlgaste Community Center is a lively gathering place where young people come together, residents stay active in the gym, and folk theater and dance traditions thrive. The center hosts theatrical performances, celebrates national and local events.Renovation is currently underway to make the building more energy-efficient and further develop the community center.
Estonia
Saia tee 2, Põlgaste Village, Kanepi Parish, Põlva County, Estonia
Prototype level
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
284: Kanepi vald (EE)
In the village of Põlgaste, located in Kanepi Parish, there is a vibrant community center that serves as both a central hub and the heart of local life. The Põlgaste Community Center is a lively gathering place where young people come together, residents stay active in the gym, and folk theater and dance traditions thrive. The center hosts theatrical performances, celebrates national and local events, and fosters a strong sense of community among its members.
The renovation of the Põlgaste Community Center was undertaken with the goal of making the building more energy-efficient while also improving its accessibility and functionality for the entire community. The renovation includes the library, hall, gym, and youth center and accessibility for people with disabilities.
As a result of the renovation, the working conditions will be significantly improved, making the community center more attractive and inviting. The gym will become easily accessible to all thanks to a self-service access system, no longer relying on the presence of staff on-site.
The hall will be equipped with a completely new, versatile sound system and an elevator for accessibility. The space will be transformed to accommodate high-quality folk theater, folk dance performances, major events, and other special community activities that were previously not possible due to the poor condition of the room.
The youth center will also be modernized, offering young people better opportunities for self-expression. The kitchen and hall in the youth center will be available for other community events, providing a flexible space for activities that locals wish to organize.
The renovation of the Põlgaste Community Center was undertaken with the goal of making the building more energy-efficient while also improving its accessibility and functionality for the entire community. The renovation includes the library, hall, gym, and youth center and accessibility for people with disabilities.
As a result of the renovation, the working conditions will be significantly improved, making the community center more attractive and inviting. The gym will become easily accessible to all thanks to a self-service access system, no longer relying on the presence of staff on-site.
The hall will be equipped with a completely new, versatile sound system and an elevator for accessibility. The space will be transformed to accommodate high-quality folk theater, folk dance performances, major events, and other special community activities that were previously not possible due to the poor condition of the room.
The youth center will also be modernized, offering young people better opportunities for self-expression. The kitchen and hall in the youth center will be available for other community events, providing a flexible space for activities that locals wish to organize.
Energy efficiency through renovation and installation of solar panels.
Creating a versatile activity space for preserving heritage
Promotion of healthy lifestyles
Community cohesion
Creating a versatile activity space for implementing innovative initiatives.
The key objectives of our initiative in terms of sustainability focus on enhancing energy efficiency, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering community engagement through inclusive spaces.
Energy Efficiency:
We are renovating the building to improve its energy efficiency, including the installation of solar panels and the upgrading of technical systems such as heating and insulation. This reduces the building's carbon footprint and ensures long-term sustainability. The goal is that after reconstruction, the energy efficiency rating will be 123 kWh/(m²*a) under typical use, achieving Class A status. The investment amount is approximately 1,400,000 euros, and also with an annual financial savings of around 13,600 euros.
Energy Efficiency:
We are renovating the building to improve its energy efficiency, including the installation of solar panels and the upgrading of technical systems such as heating and insulation. This reduces the building's carbon footprint and ensures long-term sustainability. The goal is that after reconstruction, the energy efficiency rating will be 123 kWh/(m²*a) under typical use, achieving Class A status. The investment amount is approximately 1,400,000 euros, and also with an annual financial savings of around 13,600 euros.
The initiative takes cultural heritage into account – for example, by preserving the historical floor tiles – and considers the vision and perspective of the actively engaged local community in shaping the community center. We are working closely with the community and value their contributions. Additionally, the final color scheme will be determined soon in collaboration with the community, incorporating the values of heritage input. In this way, the community is involved. We are already applying this practice in the renovation of other community centers and schools in the municipality.
The renovation includes making the building fully accessible to people with disabilities, through the installation of an elevator and adjustments to entrances, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can fully engage with the community center. We are installing elevator for people with disabilities and use universal design principles throughout the project.
The decision-making process for the renovation and future activities involves active participation from the community. Local members are encouraged to voice their opinions and contribute to the center’s development, ensuring that the space reflects the needs and desires of those it serves. We hold regular cultural committee meetings, which include local cultural figures and community organizations. Additionally, village associations have regular meetings and actively organize events for the community throughout the year.
The decision-making process for the renovation and future activities involves active participation from the community. Local members are encouraged to voice their opinions and contribute to the center’s development, ensuring that the space reflects the needs and desires of those it serves. We hold regular cultural committee meetings, which include local cultural figures and community organizations. Additionally, village associations have regular meetings and actively organize events for the community throughout the year.
The hall will be used for multiple purposes, serving the local kindergarten and school, as well as the elderly residents of the nursing home. The accessibility for the elderly will improve with the addition of the elevator, allowing them to participate in cultural events as well. We believe that the renovation and update of the hall will further expand its use, and it will host larger events that may even extend beyond the municipality's borders.
At the local level, Põlgaste NGOs, Youth center personal, Library personal have been at the forefront of the initiative, providing invaluable input. They have been involved through surveys, community meetings, and ongoing discussions. This collaboration has ensured that the community center reflects the needs and desires of those who will use it most.
We have taken into account the principles and conditions outlined in the energy audit when planning energy efficiency. The energy audit was conducted by a specialist in the field. The renovation work is based on the energy audit and takes into account the input from the target users of the community center. Through collaboration, communication and engagement improved.
Our innovative goal is to develop a smart card-based access system for the gym. The aim is to establish a unified system across the entire municipality, starting with the gym at the Põlgaste Community Center. This will enhance accessibility and provide a seamless user experience for all residents, ensuring that the facility is easily available to the community without the need for on-site staff supervision. The system will also contribute to better resource management and security.
The smart card-based system will allow residents to easily use the facilities while ensuring efficient management, security, and tracking of usage.The process also involves continuous collaboration with experts in energy efficiency, technology, and community development to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the project.
Several elements of our initiative could be replicated or transferred to other locations, beneficiary groups, and contexts:
Smart Card Access System: The implementation of a smart card-based access system for public spaces, like the gym, can be applied to other community centers, sports facilities.
Energy Efficiency Improvements: The energy-saving measures undertaken as part of this initiative, such as the installation of solar panels, energy-efficient insulation, and sustainable heating systems, can be applied to other buildings and communities looking to reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact. The process of conducting an energy audit and following its recommendations can be easily transferred to other initiatives.
Smart Card Access System: The implementation of a smart card-based access system for public spaces, like the gym, can be applied to other community centers, sports facilities.
Energy Efficiency Improvements: The energy-saving measures undertaken as part of this initiative, such as the installation of solar panels, energy-efficient insulation, and sustainable heating systems, can be applied to other buildings and communities looking to reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact. The process of conducting an energy audit and following its recommendations can be easily transferred to other initiatives.
Energy efficiency improves by upgrading the building from D-class to A-class, resulting in significantly lower energy consumption and greater sustainability. Therefore, CO2 emissions are reduced. Our coal is CO2 emissions decrease from 179.90 tons per year to 74.90 tons per year.
The renovation of the energy-efficient Põlgaste Community Center is set to be completed by this summer. The center will serve as a model of energy efficiency, offering a space that is accessible to all, regardless of ability or background. Additionally, the design will emphasize beauty and cultural heritage, enhancing the community’s connection to both the space and their surroundings. The center will actively promote sustainable practices, contributing to a greener future while offering a welcoming environment for social and cultural activities. Locals can take energy-saving measures as an example. In the renovated spaces, we can organize workshops to promote the circular economy. Cultural events will be held to engage the community, while providing a space for residents to generate new ideas, pursue personal development, and maintain their health by using various gym equipment. We have an active community, and the renovated community center will help maintain the community and further strengthen the sense of togetherness.
