Translated using ChatGPT service.
The contest “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2025” has concluded. For the past 15 years, it has been organized by the Ministry of Economics as part of the “Live Warmer” campaign, in cooperation with the Ministry of Climate and Energy and the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers.
This year, the jury paid particular attention to the heating and ventilation solutions used in the submitted buildings, as well as their sustainability and construction quality — ensuring a good indoor climate and low energy consumption. In total, 36 buildings were evaluated in the competition this year, including commercial and office centers, preschools, apartment buildings, and single-family houses.
Winners of the contest “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2025”
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Apartment building at Vecmīlgrāvja Street 17 k-3, Riga – 1st place in the category “Most Energy-Efficient Renovated Apartment Building in Latvia 2025”
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Elemental Business Centre, Skanstes Street 25, Riga – 1st place in the category “Most Energy-Efficient Public Building in Latvia 2025”
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New warehouse and office building at Krūzes Street 17, Riga – 1st place in the category “Most Energy-Efficient Industrial Building in Latvia 2025”
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Single-family house at Pededzes Street 18, Mārupe – 1st place in the category “Most Energy-Efficient Single-Family House in Latvia 2025”
Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis stated:
“Energy efficiency, sustainability, and the use of local resources are key conditions for Latvia’s growth, ensuring both economic development and a comfortable, healthy living environment for residents.
Over 15 years, the contest ‘Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia’ has become a platform for the public and professionals to find inspiration, learn, and invest in energy-efficient construction. These good practice examples promote a climate-neutral future and sustainable development, demonstrating how local materials and modern solutions create tangible benefits for residents and society as a whole.
Today’s winners are a source of inspiration for other apartment, public, industrial, and private buildings — creating long-term value, encouraging innovation, and showing that sustainable construction is a key development resource for Latvia.”
The Ministry of Economics’ Special Recognition Award was given to Staņislavs Gendelis for his contribution to energy-efficient and sustainable construction of the single-family home at Pededzes Street 18, Mārupe, setting an inspiring example for private home building in Latvia.
Another Special Recognition Award was granted to the Multifunctional Outpatient Center at Tvaika Street 2, Riga, for outstanding achievement in designing a sustainable and patient-friendly building. The facility features bright, high-quality interiors, excellent accessibility for persons with disabilities, and well-designed outdoor areas that create a safe, calming, and supportive environment for health recovery.
Minister of Climate and Energy Kaspars Melnis emphasized:
“The residents of every renovated building form a winning team — they’ve overcome challenges to achieve a higher quality of life in their homes. For others, this serves as a positive example that determination leads to results.
It also contributes to a more orderly urban environment and sustainable energy resource use.
However, analyzing renovation rates — which continue to rise — we must say that the pace of apartment building renovations must increase further. In the coming years, renovation volumes need to grow exponentially.”
The Ministry of Climate and Energy’s annual award “Climate Friend” was presented to the preschool at Rubeņu Street 2A, Salaspils.
“With this award, we want to highlight a project that integrates sustainability principles into a building that performs a vital social function and is the heart of any city.
Our ministry especially values architectural gems made of wood — where the smell of freshly planed timber enhances the sense of well-being.
This year’s awardee is no exception: it’s a building with a significantly lower CO₂ footprint than required by European standards.
Wooden buildings with high added value are the most effective way to capture and store carbon long-term while promoting new market opportunities for the local economy.
We’re pleased that children can experience contemporary wooden architecture firsthand.”
Helēna Endriksone, ECCE Vice-President and First Deputy Chair of the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers, noted:
“The contest ‘Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia’ has been running for 15 years. Why? The answer is simple — it provides an opportunity to discover the best examples of energy efficiency and teamwork.
Only through cooperation — between clients, designers, builders, and supervisors — can we achieve high-quality, energy-efficient, and sustainable buildings.
And only through joint effort — by the state, municipalities, NGOs, the private, and academic sectors — can we sustain the long-term ‘Live Warmer’ movement and promote energy-efficient construction across Latvia.”
This year, the jury’s special recognition went to:
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The renovated apartment building at Kristapa Street 18, Riga, and
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The Mārupe School of Music and Art — for outstanding project management in building renovation and sustainability, setting an excellent example of resource efficiency and a comfortable living environment.
Public Choice Award (Online Voting):
The single-family house at Bebrīšu Street 10, Inčukalns received the Sympathy Award with 318 votes.
Contest results: “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia 2025”
Category: Most Energy-Efficient Renovated Apartment Building
1st place – Apartment building at Vecmīlgrāvja Street 17 k-3, Riga
2nd place – Apartment building at Semināra Street 6, Valka
3rd place – Apartment building at Pasta Street 34, Jelgava
Category: Most Energy-Efficient Public Building
1st place – Elemental Business Centre, Skanstes Street 25, Riga
2nd place – Preschool “Septītais bērnudārzs”, Rubeņu Street 2A, Salaspils
3rd place – Shopping Centre “Rīga Plaza”, Mūkusalas Street 71, Riga
Category: Most Energy-Efficient Industrial Building
1st place – New warehouse and office building at Krūzes Street 17, Riga
2nd place – Production facility at Zaļā Street 3, Gulbene
Category: Most Energy-Efficient Single-Family House
1st place – Single-family house at Pededzes Street 18, Mārupe
2nd place – Single-family house at Bebrīšu Street 10, Inčukalns, Sigulda Municipality
About the contest “Most Energy-Efficient Building in Latvia”
Applications for the 2025 contest were accepted until June 18, 2025.
This year, 36 buildings competed across five categories.
During the summer, the jury evaluated all submissions and conducted on-site inspections of shortlisted entries.
Full details about the 2025 winners are available at www.energoefektivakaeka.lv.
The contest regulations were prepared in cooperation with partners of the “Live Warmer” information campaign, including:
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The Latvian Association of Property Managers and Administrators
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The Latvian Window and Door Manufacturers Association
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Riga Technical University
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Riga Stradiņš University
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The Building Materials Manufacturers Association
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The Latvian Association of Heating, Gas, and Water Technology Engineers
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The Sustainable Construction Council
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The State Construction Control Bureau
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The State Fire and Rescue Service
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SIA “Publisko aktīvu pārvaldītājs Possessor”
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The Rural Support Service
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AS “Sadales tīkls”
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The Central Finance and Contracting Agency
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The Energy and Environmental Agency
The contest is co-financed by EU funds.
Supporters include: SIA “Paroc”, SIA “Saint-Gobain Celtniecības produkti”, SIA “Rockwool”, Development Finance Institution Altum, AS “Latvenergo”, VentSys, Rīgas siltums, AS “Sadales tīkls”, and SIA “Robert Bosch”.
Media partners: Būvinženieris magazine, Latvijas Avīze newspaper, and the construction portals www.abc.lv, archidea.lv, and www.building.lv.
