Study Visit to Zhytomyr: A City Leading the Way in Energy Transformation

With support from the Covenant of Mayors – East initiative, representatives from 14 Ukrainian municipalities visited Zhytomyr to explore how the city implements innovative energy solutions, addresses environmental challenges, and delivers real results.

Zhytomyr: Strategy, Consistency, Impact

Zhytomyr has committed itself to sustainable development and energy independence. According to Borys Pakholiuk, Director of the Municipal Development Agency of Zhytomyr City Council, the city consistently introduces measures to reduce energy consumption, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Key achievements include:

• Scaling up solar power – The city has equipped over ten municipal facilities with solar panels, including a hospital and a laundry facility, significantly reducing reliance on grid electricity.
• Comprehensive thermal modernisation – Zhytomyr has insulated schools, kindergartens, and hospitals, and upgraded heating systems, cutting heating costs by up to 40%.
• Complete modernisation of street lighting – By replacing 100% of municipal streetlights with LED units, the city has reduced energy use by more than half.

These actions form part of the city’s long-term strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

“Zhytomyr’s team has a lot to show when it comes to climate and energy policy. The city excels not only in planning but also in delivering these policies at the local level,” said Oksana Kysil, National Expert of the Covenant of Mayors – East.

Practical Experience: Sites Visited During the Study Tour

Participants explored several sites that showcase the city’s energy transition in practice:

• Zhytomyrvodokanal (municipal water utility) – The enterprise is carrying out large-scale modernisation and reconstruction projects, introducing energy-efficient technologies, and reducing water losses.
• Kindergarten with a heat pump system – The facility underwent heating and hot water system upgrades. A modern air-to-water heat pump now supplies hot water. The kindergarten also connects to the central heating network and operates an individual heat substation.
• Solar power stations at Municipal Hospital No. 2 – In 2024, the city installed two solar power plants with energy storage systems on the rooftops of the hospital’s laundry and therapeutic wing.

“The depth of the city’s technological solutions is impressive. These are functional systems we would like to introduce in our own communities,” noted Anton Orekhov, First Deputy Mayor of Zlatopil.

Zhytomyr proves that change is possible when local authorities work with a clear vision and strategic focus. Thanks to effective international cooperation and political will, the city is already delivering outcomes that serve as a benchmark for other municipalities.

Through initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors – East, municipalities share practical experiences, scale up good practices, and strengthen their climate policies. Study visits like this one are investments in stronger local governance and more resilient communities.