How sustainable heating solutions and collaborative policies aim to transform urban living in Sofia
Sofia’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) initiative is a proactive step towards improving air quality and public health through the modernisation of heating systems, promoting sustainable use of bioenergy for heating purposes and sustainable urban policies. The initiative was the focus of the roundtable discussion “More Comfort for Cleaner Air“, held on 25 November at SOHO conference center in Sofia, Bulgaria. Organised by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) and the Center for Energy Efficiency EnEffect, the event was endorsed by the ETIP Bioenergy Platform and the global Breathe Cities initiative under the Clean Air Fund. The discussion brought together representatives from Sofia Municipality, civil society and academia to discuss the benefits and challenges of phasing out solid fuel heating in central urban areas.
Deputy Mayor Nadezhda Bobcheva outlined the Municipality’s vision for tackling air pollution. She focused on the introduction of a LEZ for domestic heating from 1 January 2025, which will cover 1,660 households in 9 central districts. After 2029 the ban will apply to all metropolitan area. The aim of the measures is not to impose penalties, but to support people by replacing old heating appliances with more environmentally friendly and efficient solutions. Arch. Elitsa Panayotova, national representative of Clean Air Fund in Bulgaria, stressed the importance of depoliticising clean air initiatives, while CSD’s Kalina Tcolova proposed improved regulatory mechanisms, which will support the monitoring and enforcing the LEZ regulation.
Experts stressed the serious impact of air pollution on health. Eng. Stanislav Andreev presented an analysis showing that while replacing heating appliances often results in similar or slightly higher energy bills due to improved home temperatures, the investment significantly reduces health risks. Ivaylo Popov from For the Earth highlighted the lack of data on indoor pollution and the harm of fine and ultrafine particulate matter. Assoc. Prof. Angel Dzhambov from Medical University Plovdiv, a member of the physician network “Air for Health”, presented a series of studies that conclusively prove that poor air quality is one of the main risk factors for mortality worldwide, and specifically in Bulgaria. According to one of the most recent and largest studies, sufferers of coronary heart disease among people who use solid fuels are 68% higher than those who do not. For Sofia and Plovdiv this proportion is even higher – close to and more than 3 times.
Public opinion, as measured by Alpha Research, shows strong support for the measures, with 99% support among early programme participants. Dragomir Tsanev, Executive Director of Energy Efficiency Center EnEffect, stressed the need for professional, on-the-ground consultations to ensure accurate dissemination of information and effective engagement with citizens. The roundtable highlighted the need for greater coordination between government, municipalities and civil society to ensure a successful transition. Key recommendations include integrating energy efficiency measures with appliance replacement, expanding the use of renewable energy, and addressing legal gaps in property ownership in marginalised areas. Crucially, on-spot information campaigns and technical support for citizens are essential to achieve widespread adoption and compliance.
