Burgas: Successful Project for Air Quality Improvement

Burgas Municipality announced the successful completion of a large-scale project aimed at improving the quality of atmospheric air. The initiative, known as "Bulgarian municipalities working together to improve the quality of atmospheric air", was financed under the LIFE 2017 Program - Life Action Grant 2017. The project is implemented on the basis of Grant Agreement No. LIFE17 IPE/BG/000012-LIFE IP CLEAN AIR.

The implementation period covered the period from October 2018 to October 2025. The project is one of the most significant examples of practical support for citizens through a European funding mechanism and is the first of its kind in Bulgaria, providing free replacement of old heating appliances using wood and coal with ecological alternatives.

The project brought the municipalities together in a common cause - achieving a cleaner and healthier environment. The leading partner was Sofia Municipality, and the municipalities of Burgas, Ruse, Montana, Stara Zagora, Veliko Tarnovo, as well as the Club "Economics 2000" also joined the project.

The implementation of the project in Burgas included the delivery and installation of modern heating appliances that meet high European environmental standards. The results included the installation of 677 pellet heating appliances, 24 natural gas boilers and 777 air conditioners.

These investments provided an opportunity for 1478 households in Burgas to replace old and polluting heating systems with modern, economical and ecological alternatives. Additionally, within the framework of the project, two automatic measuring stations (AMS) for monitoring and control of air quality were built and put into operation.

"With this project, we took another decisive step towards cleaner air for the residents of Burgas and proved that clean air is an achievable goal when we build sustainable policies together. Improving the quality of life and creating a healthier urban environment for our children and families is our main priority. I must emphasize that the successful result is also due to the willingness of citizens to participate and replace their appliances", shared the mayor of Burgas.

The key results of the project demonstrated a significant change in air quality in the six municipalities participating in the initiative. A reduction in the average annual concentration of PM10 by 38.36% compared to 2016 was reported. At the same time, the number of days with exceedances of the permissible norm decreased by 79.64% compared to 2016.

The implementation of the project played a key role in the permanent reduction of pollution caused by domestic heating - one of the main sources of fine particulate matter. The project is emerging as a successful example of effective cooperation between institutions and local communities.

"Despite the success achieved, for us clean air is a long-term goal and I assure you that Burgas is ready and will continue to work on new projects under the "Environment" Program, as well as on measures for sustainable urban mobility", noted Dimitar Nikolov.