ZGRADONAČELNIK Karmen Kostanić Jurić

Guest Karmen Kostenić JurićHosted by Ana LekoMay 3, 2026

Karmen Kostenić Jurić

About this episode

What you'll hear in this conversation

The biggest obstacle to a building's energy efficiency isn't its age, its materials, or even the cost of renovation. It's the human element — specifically, the pervasive belief that 'it is what it is, nothing can be done.' This attitude, according to civil engineer Karmen Kostenić Jurić, is the most surprising and persistent challenge in her decade of work on energy audits and building certifications. Despite billions of euros invested in upgrades and stricter standards, 37% of Croatia's residential buildings remain in the worst energy classes. Kostenić Jurić, an expert with Tomting (now part of EON Croatia), explains how this gap between investment and reality persists, and what it truly takes to move buildings — and their occupants — toward genuine efficiency. You will leave this conversation understanding why the human factor often outweighs the technical in the quest for sustainable real estate.

Insights from the conversation

What to take from this episode

Karmen Kostenić Jurić finds the most surprising obstacle to building efficiency is the widespread sentiment of 'it is what it is, nothing can be done.' The biggest barrier isn't always the technical challenge of an old structure, but the human acceptance of inefficiency and the belief that solutions are too expensive.

While basic improvements like replacing lighting and windows are common, Kostenić Jurić points out these are not the only options. There are many other energy efficiency measures available, often supported by sound financial models, that remain largely unknown to the public.

The energy certificate, often viewed as mere administrative paperwork, is in fact what Kostenić Jurić calls the 'blood test' of a building. It's a detailed, systematic calculation that objectively assesses a building's energy needs and provides a comprehensive report of potential improvements.

The European Union now considers energy certificates the only objective way to prove achieved savings and the cost-effectiveness of investments. It positions them as the fundamental starting point for any significant energy investment in the building sector, not just a compliance document.

While an energy certificate provides an objective numerical model of a building's energy consumption potential, it does not account for human behavior. Actual energy savings depend heavily on how occupants use the space, meaning the technology is only half the solution without user education.

After an energy renovation, occupants often need specific guidance on how to interact with new, more efficient systems. Without this follow-up education, much of the invested capital and technical improvement can be undermined by old habits and a lack of understanding.

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