The CTU UCEEB successfully participated in the Science in Municipal Practice programme, which was launched with the aim to
contribute to the improvement of the life quality in the Central Bohemian Region and facilitating cooperation between local
governments and research organisations. The CTU UCEEB proposed improvements of the local heat supply system for the municipality
of Měňany and carried out an analysis of the needs of its residents to set priorities for strategic development.
The Science in Municipal Practice programme is the result of cooperation between the Central Bohemian Innovation Centre and
the Central Bohemian Region, which has the largest number of municipalities in the Czech Republic and 26 research organisations
whose experts can bring hi-tech innovations to the public sector. The programme provides municipalities with direct financial
funding for the purchase of expert services provided by research organisations based in the Central Bohemian Region.
The village of Měňany is located in the Beroun county, in the attractive nature reserve Český kras. In 2009, central
heating was introduced using a biomass boiler. The Municipality won the Energy Globe Award for this step. After fifteen years
of operation, the municipality wanted to assess the state and optimise the operation of its central heating system (CHS).
Experts from UCEEB first analysed the general condition of the CHS and evaluated the equipment and operation of the boiler
plant. Based on the results, they described the possibilities of using other fuels or raw materials and proposed steps to
make the municipality's energy system run more efficiently. They were able to discover the cause of up to 30% of heat distribution
losses and found opportunities to save about 600 GJ of energy per year.
During the second phase we investigated the priorities of approximately 300 inhabitants of the municipality through group
surveys and a field workshop. Based on these, we developed proposals for specific changes that served as a basis for decision-making
on the future development of Měňany. "Science in the practice of municipalities showed me specific points to address as
a priority. I was surprised how many residents, for example, wanted to build (cycle) routes. It has also opened our eyes in
the case of the operation of our heating plant - we would like to implement the proposed measures. I therefore evaluate the
programme very positively and would highly recommend cooperation with research in the areas of interest," said Mayor Miroslav
Douša.