The Student City in Tirana now has five renovated dormitories that meet European Union Standards. This first cluster of buildings from the ‘Energy Efficient Rehabilitation of Student Dormitories in Albania’ project was inaugurated in a joint ceremony on 30 October 2024. In total, 19 student dormitories of the Student City I campus in Tirana will be renovated, benefitting more than 2,600 students. A minimum of 70% of the capacity of the renovated dormitories will be occupied by students with low incomes, thus promoting social infrastructure for underprivileged students.  

The improvements in infrastructure will also decrease energy consumption by an average of 40% compared to current levels. The expected reduction in emissions equals 3,031t CO2 per year, while the amount of energy savings is expected to reach 5,869 MWh per year. The renovation of the remaining building clusters is expected to start in 2025. 

The renovation is supported by a €4.78 million grant from the European Union through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and €30 million loan and grant package from the German Federal Government through the KfW Development Bank.

Ambassador of the European Union to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, said: “At the heart of this project are the students, the future EU citizens of Albania. By investing in their education, environment, and their well-being, we are investing in Albania’s progress. Today, around 650 students will benefit from modern accommodations compliant to EU standards. Additionally, by improving the energy efficiency of these buildings, we are helping Albania to take important steps in meeting EU environmental targets as part of its EU integration path.” 

German Chargé d’Affaires, Thilo Schroeter, underlined the impact of the investment: “The effect of the project is two-fold: The energy-efficient rehabilitation of the dorms contributes to climate-protection, but also improves conditions for the students significantly. Therefore, the dorms provide a good example of drawing a direct line between local impacts and global effects.”

Member of the Management Committee of KfW Development Bank, Stephan Opitz said: “This KfW project marks a significant step towards reducing energy consumption of the dormitories […] compared to pre-rehabilitation levels. KfW as a green bank is very proud of it.”

The project Student City I is financed through the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP), a flagship investment from the Economic and Investment Plan.