Improving ambient air quality in Sofia Municipality through replacement of coal and wood heating appliances with environmentally sound alternatives

The overall objective of the project is to improve the quality of atmospheric air in Sofia Municipality by reducing PM10 emissions from domestic heating as one of the main sources of air pollution. The specific objective of the project is to replace solid fuel heaters of households with ecological alternatives. The project will be implemented in two stages. During the first stage, all preparatory actions necessary for the implementation of the investment will be carried out. There will be an awareness campaign among the population on the possibilities of replacing solid fuel heating devices, explaining the possible alternative forms of heating and the conditions for inclusion of the willing in the replacement scheme. A study will be conducted among those residents who are heated with solid fuel to replace their heating devices. Analyzes, criteria and mechanisms for the prioritization of households by area district will be developed in the implementation of alternatives with a view to contributing to the reduction of PM10 emissions. The actual technical parameters for replacing the devices will be studied. The first stage will conclude with a comprehensive vision for the replacement of solid fuel heaters. In the second stage, Sofia Municipality will conduct procedures for the selection of contractors and will dismantle the used heating devices and supply and installation of the new heating devices, systems according to the accepted parameters, or connection, restoration of the connection to the gas distribution network and or the district heating system. The environmental benefits of the project will be expressed in the amount of PM10 emissions saved. Socio-economic benefits are related to health protection and improvement of the quality of life of the citizens of Sofia Municipality, improvement of the working and recreational conditions for both the residents and the guests of the municipality, raising the public awareness on the issues of air quality.

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