Energy-efficient renovation of the existing building stock is one of the key challenges for Ukraine’s sustainable reconstruction. Improving the energy performance of buildings can reduce energy consumption and operating costs while contributing to more resilient and environmentally responsible urban development.

On 3 September 2026, Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies (USUST) hosted the PhD defence of Leonid Kosenko. His dissertation, “Energy-Efficient Renovation of Existing Buildings: Assessment of the Impact on Energy Efficiency Indicators,” focused on approaches to renovating existing buildings in ways that improve their energy performance and support sustainable reconstruction.

The research was supervised by Olena Koval, Candidate of Technical Sciences and Senior Research Fellow.

Research for Energy-Efficient Renovation

The dissertation addresses practical challenges associated with improving the energy performance of existing buildings.

During the defence, the main results of the study were presented, including methodological approaches to the energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings and the assessment of how different technical solutions influence energy-efficiency indicators.

Particular attention was given to the selection and evaluation of effective thermomodernisation measures and the integration of renewable energy sources into building renovation strategies.

Such approaches are particularly relevant for Ukraine, where reconstruction creates a need not only to restore buildings but also to improve their energy performance and introduce modern solutions that can reduce future energy demand.

Connecting Research and Education

The topic of the dissertation is closely connected with the objectives of GreenBUILD – Green & Energy-Efficient Building Design for UA Renovation, which aims to strengthen education and professional competencies in sustainable and energy-efficient building design and renovation.

The research addresses several practical areas that GreenBUILD brings into the educational process, including building energy-performance assessment, thermomodernisation, selection of energy-efficient technical solutions, and the use of renewable energy technologies.

The results of such research can provide valuable expertise for the further development of teaching materials, practical case studies, student assignments, and professional training activities related to sustainable building renovation.

Supporting Ukraine’s Green Reconstruction

The PhD defence also demonstrates how research carried out at USUST can contribute to developing the knowledge base required for Ukraine’s green recovery.

By connecting academic research with practical reconstruction challenges, the university strengthens its expertise in energy-efficient renovation, thermomodernisation, and sustainable reconstruction while preparing specialists capable of assessing and implementing modern solutions for the built environment.

Contributing to GreenBUILD Objectives

For USUST, the research represents an example of how scientific work, higher education, and international project activities can complement and reinforce each other.

As a GreenBUILD partner, the university contributes its research expertise to the broader process of modernising construction education in Ukraine. Integrating contemporary research findings into educational activities can help ensure that future graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to address real reconstruction challenges.

Through this connection between research, education, and practical application, GreenBUILD partners contribute to preparing a new generation of specialists capable of supporting the energy-efficient, sustainable, and resilient reconstruction of Ukraine.