Kolarac’s Legacy Illuminated by Solar Energy
On the roof of the Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment building, one of Serbia’s most significant cultural institutions, a solar power system has been installed, marking another step toward a sustainable future.
In his will, Ilija M. Kolarac entrusted educated Serbs with the duty to preserve the Endowment and ensure that it continues to serve the public good. Kolarac’s legacy rests on three pillars — science, culture, and knowledge — and through the implementation of this project, the Endowment demonstrates that by preserving tradition and fostering synergy, it is possible to find the best sustainable solutions grounded in these principles, thus honoring his legacy.
This energy project was realized through a modern Energy Performance Contracting model. The Endowment bore no investment costs — the entire project is financed through achieved energy savings — fully aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of the circular economy.
The project includes every stage: from design, financing, and installation of the system to maintenance and guaranteed energy production throughout the contract period. In addition to energy-related works, the project also involved a complete waterproofing renovation of the deteriorated roof, which had been leaking for years, thus resolving an important infrastructural issue.
The system is guaranteed to produce more than 30,000 kWh of electricity annually. This brings an immediate energy saving of about €4,500 per year and an additional financial benefit of around €900 annually, resulting in a total gain of at least €12,000 over 15 years. CO₂ emissions will be reduced by approximately 30 tons per year.
“This year, the Kolarac Endowment renovated over 500 m² of space. When we add the reconstruction of the roof, followed by the installation of solar panels across the entire Kolarac complex, we can say that a major and important project has been completed. Not only will this bring significant savings in electricity costs — which is our priority — but we have also taken a major step forward in the green agenda, showing awareness and responsibility in the field of energy as well. Without our partners, who understand and support the most important independent cultural endowment that has continuously operated for 148 years, we would not have the installed solar panels and the renewed roof today. Just like the Endowment itself, this is an investment in the future,” said Aleksandar Peković, Director of the Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment.
In the same year that the Endowment officially submitted its nomination for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this project further confirms its dedication to sustainable values and responsible social development.
Source: Dan u Beogradu
