As cities continue to grow and urban populations expand, the demand for energy increases significantly, making it essential to adopt practices that reduce waste, maximize efficiency, and protect the environment. In this context, the University Metropolitan Tirana hosted this week’s hybrid seminar “Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Urban Housing and Beyond”, bringing together experts, academics, and policymakers to discuss innovative strategies to address these critical issues.
The seminar, held on January 8, 2025, focused on transforming the urban housing sector through sustainable and innovative solutions. The discussions began with a welcome address by Prof. Assoc. Dr. Emre Çeçen, who emphasized the key role of energy management practices and renewable technologies in achieving sustainable development goals.
Subsequently, various speakers provided a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this field. Dr. Klaus Vogstad shared insights from Norway on energy auditing, while Prof. Assoc. Dr. Aulon Shabani presented opportunities renewable energy offers for heating and cooling. Msc. Arben Burda analyzed energy losses in buildings constructed before the 1990s in Albania, and Dr. Lorenc Gordani highlighted the importance of integrating solar panels into real estate management.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ernest Shtepani explored the concept of positive energy districts, contrasting traditional cities with modern neighborhoods aiming to produce more energy than they consume. Lastly, Dr. Besim Islami presented a long-term action plan for renovating Albania’s building stock, proposing concrete steps for a profound transformation of the sector.
The final open discussion encouraged participants to exchange ideas and propose solutions to the issues raised. This seminar addressed existing challenges and underscored the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to create a more sustainable energy and urban future. Through this event, the University Metropolitan Tirana reaffirmed its role as an academic hub promoting innovation and development