On April 15th this year, the State Real Estate Company (VNĪ) signed a contract with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA) for funding Latvian National Archive (LNA) subdivision Latvian State Archive (LVA) building renovation projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact, according to VNĪ board member Jeļena Gavrilova.
According to the archive infrastructure development concept approved by the government at the end of 2020, energy efficiency improvement measures are planned for LVA buildings located at Slokas Street 16 and Bezdelīgu Street 1a, Riga.
"LNA is an invaluable guardian of Latvia's national heritage, preserving and caring for documentary history from 1220 to today. It plays a crucial role in preserving national identity and cultural heritage. Our goal is not just building modernization; it's a step towards sustainable archive development. With investments in energy efficiency, we not only reduce energy consumption but also create more favorable conditions for archive staff and visitors," states J. Gavrilova.
The total cost of the project "Energy Efficiency Enhancement at Bezdelīgu Street 1A, Riga" is estimated at 11 million euros, while the project "Energy Efficiency Enhancement at Slokas Street 16, Riga" has total costs set at 12.5 million euros. The total cost of the archive buildings' energy efficiency improvement projects is planned at 23.5 million euros. The project will be funded within the framework of the European Union's Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan 1.2, reform and investment direction "Improving Energy Efficiency," specifically, investments "Improving Energy Efficiency in Public Sector Buildings, including Historic Buildings" from the plan's budget and partly from the state budget.
At Slokas Street 16, necessary works include replacing wooden exterior doors, attic doors, wooden windows, insulating exterior walls and the attic, and replacing the roof. Meanwhile, at Bezdelīgu Street 1a, the work required includes replacing wooden exterior doors, changing glass block windows, insulating the attic, insulating the basement ceiling, overhangs, the roof, the building's exterior walls, and the base, and overhauling the heating and ventilation systems (including air conditioning).
"We hope that the planned improvements in energy efficiency in these projects will provide a more appropriate and stable climate for the preservation of the national documentary heritage," noted Māra Sprūdža, LNA director.
These activities will ensure more comfortable conditions for both users and visitors of the Latvian National Archive, as well as improve the building's visual appearance. Moreover, primary energy consumption will be reduced by 30% at Slokas Street and by 45% at Bezdelīgu Street 1a.
The existing buildings on Slokas Street 16 were designed by architect V.R. Reslers and built in 1908 as the city pawnshop. Extensions were added in 1914 with a small wing along Bezdelīgu Street and in 1937, it was rebuilt by architect I. Blankenburg.
