At the national conference of SMS (Association of Local Authorities) in Mladá Boleslav on November 28, the results of the OBEC 2030 competition were announced at the national SMS conference (Association of Local Authorities) in Mladá Boleslav on November 28.

A total of 76 projects from 65 municipalities competed this year for the title of the most attractive solution in a competition focused on self-sufficient energy, smart village elements, environmental responsibility, and modern municipal infrastructure. Fifteen municipalities advanced to the finals, and a record 8,673 public votes decided the winners.

Modern wooden building takes first place

The highest award went to the municipality of Křenov (Pardubice Region) for its innovative Archimedes outdoor classroom. This modern wooden building for 36 students combines year-round teaching, community activities, and environmental elements. It is a prime example of how municipalities can use wooden structures for multipurpose, sustainable, and cost-effective buildings.

Energy experiment under a wooden building

The municipality of Žernov came in second place. As a completely unique energy experiment, a community center is being built here, with a unique heat storage facility recharged from solar panels located in the foundations under the wooden building. This is the first solution using this technology in a municipal project in Czechia.

An unconventional example of waste management

Third place went to Prosetín, which also won the Expert Jury Award. The municipality built a solar sludge dryer using waste heat from a biomass boiler to heat the floor system. The local flooded quarry then serves as a source of mine water for irrigating the playground and flushing the municipal building.

Special award from the Timber Institute

The Wood Industry Institute was a partner in the competition. Anna Součková, head of the analysis and assessment center, presented a special award for the inspection of the wooden roof truss of a building managed by the municipality.

The award was won by the municipality of Rokytnice in the Olomouc Region and was accepted by Mayor Kamil Malenda. The mayor commented on the award: “The municipality will use the award for the planned reconstruction of the school building, where the services of the Wood Industry Institute can be applied.”

Rokytnice was recognized for its unique natural measure:
Six periodic pools have been created in the municipality, cleverly utilizing historical drainage pipes from the 1950s. They capture surface water from the village green and create a dynamic habitat for amphibians, birds, and specific aquatic plants. The project increases the landscape’s resistance to drought and torrential rainfall, promotes ecological stability, and at the same time brings aesthetic and recreational value.

Conference topics: aging population, digitization, waste management, and new needs of municipalities

The expert conference focused on social issues and demographic changes. Marián Jurečka, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs in resignation, also gave a lecture. He pointed out that the Czech population is gradually aging and families will increasingly provide care for the elderly.

Municipalities will therefore need to expand retirement homes, nursing homes, and affordable housing.

Wooden buildings are a fast, affordable, and sustainable solution that can help local governments respond to new social needs.

Anna Součková (Wood Research Institute), Mayor of Rokytnice Kamil Malenda