Rudimov’s new municipal building produces more energy than it uses 

Completed in 2023, Rudimov’s new multifunctional municipal building has become the first energy-active public building in the Zlín Region, led by the Rudimov municipality in collaboration with Energy Agency of the Zlín Region (EAZK). A 19,38 kWp photovoltaic system, paired with 21,3 kWh battery storage, advanced insulation, heat recovery and a heat pump, allows the building to produce more electricity than it consumes, all while serving as a vibrant community hub for the village. 

From an ageing building to a funding gap 

The previous municipal office and cultural centre, built in 1890 as a school, was poorly insulated and lacked foundations, despite being built of stone and brick. It relied on outdated wood and coal stoves combined with electric heaters that could barely warm the building in winter. Renovation was not feasible. 

In 2016, the municipality began working on a new multifunctional building to passive standards, approved in 2020 under the 61st call of the Czech Republic’s Operational Programme Environment, with investment costs estimated at 17,6 million CZK and a 30% subsidy (5,28 million CZK). But the plan hit a funding gap: a bark beetle infestation left the municipality unable to rely on timber sales for additional financing, and no better subsidy was in sight. For a village of just 252 inhabitants, the need for a modern, sustainable and multifunctional municipal space remained pressing, but with no clear way forward. 

Redesigning for active-plus energy performance 

With support from  the Zlín Region Energy Agency (EAZK), wholly owned by the region to help municipalities cut their energy consumption, the project was reworked to meet the active-plus energy standard. In 2023, it succeeded in the 163rd call under the Czech Republic’s Operational Programme Environment, co-financed by the EU’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), securing a subsidy of almost 70% (approximately 17,6 million CZK) of the total investment cost of approximately 25,2 million CZK. 

The construction resulted in a multifunctional building with a 228 m² ground floor and a 110,38 m² attic. At its heart is a 12,7 kW heat pump with a heating factor of 5.4, connected to a 314-litre storage tank. Fresh air is supplied by three heat-recovery units, all reaching efficiency levels of up to 84%. The largest handles 1,440 m³ of recovered air per hour for the multifunctional hall, while two smaller units, at 602 m³ and 571 m³ per hour, serve the offices, food-preparation room and archive. 

The surplus power is used to supply other municipal buildings or public lighting. Beyond its technical performance, the building also serves the wider community: it hosts the municipal office, library, and community hall, as well as a gym for mothers with children, youth activities, clubs, concerts, theatre performances, discussions, weddings, and family celebrations. It has quickly become a focal point for social and cultural life.  

Replication and next steps 

Initial challenges, such as funding gaps and the need to enhance technical specifications, were overcome through EU co-financing and careful strategic planning. This experience shows that other municipalities can replicate the approach by combining active energy standards, multifunctional building design, and collaboration with external experts to guide both technical and financial aspects of a project. 

The building is fully operational and continues to serve the community. Looking ahead, the municipality plans to expand renewable energy adoption with additional solar panels and to introduce electric municipal vehicles, reinforcing Rudimov’s role as a pioneer of sustainable development in the region. 

This best practice is extracted from our publication ‘Sustainable Regions in Action‘. Discover more best practices here!