This paper analyses the presence of sustainable elements in one of the most representative surviving examples of vernacular residential architecture from the Ottoman period, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The focus is on the significance of vernacular architectural elements, which can serve as an inspiration for contemporary building design in the context of sustainability. Two main aspects need to be considered: respecting the inter-relationship between humans, nature, climate, and local surroundings, and adaptation of design to the time in which it was created. Svrzo’s house complex, as National Monument, is chosen as a case study, and detailed survey was conducted regarding the presence of sustainable design principles i.e., building form, use of local materials, orientation, adaptation to local climate and topography, passive cooling and natural-induced ventilation, water, and vegetation. A traditional architectural treasure – a functional, simple, and aesthetically valuable concept, shows that ambient requirements were met with minimal energy consumption and material waste from construction to consumption, achieving a responsible ethical attitude towards the environment. The analysis also includes an evaluation of energy efficiency aspects, by comparing the actual heat transmission values of the building elements with the allowable heat transmission values, prescribed by regulation. The actual average heat transmission values are higher which indicates that although the positive impacts of using natural local materials are wide, in terms of enhancing thermal properties, these sustainability features alone are not sufficient to prevent heat losses without proper thermal insulation.

This paper is effectively a scenario analysis of the energy system of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) from the perspective of the possible future reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the power generation sector, with the aim to become climate neutral by 2050, in compliance with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkan. According to the data from 2016, the share of power generation in the total GHG emissions in BiH was approximately 50%. By using the LEAP (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning) energy model, two scenarios—the “gradual transition scenario” and the “climate neutral” scenario—have been analyzed for the period 2018–2050, and each scenario included decarbonization measures such as the extensive use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Unlike the climate neutral scenario, the gradual transition scenario includes the replacement of certain parts of the old, currently-in-operation Coal-fired Power Plants (CFPPs) with the new CFPP, which is more efficient. In the climate-neutral scenario, that part of the existing CFPPs is replaced by a mix of RESs. The results from the first scenario suggest that the share of CFPPs in electricity generation has gradually decreased from 69.3% to 16.3% in 2050, and CO₂ emissions from the power generation sector in 2050 will be 2.2 million tons—roughly 83.5% less than in 2014. According to the second scenario, the emphasis is strongly on the growth and promotion of RESs, which have significantly taken over the roles of major producers of electricity, encouraging the low-carbon development of BiH. Analysis results show that, in 2050, there will be no CO₂ emissions from power generation. It can be concluded that specifically designed energy models for the optimization of capacities and CO₂ emissions through convergence towards RESs could be an optimistic and promising option for BiH to become climate neutral while meeting increasing energy demands. The results show the required RES capacities needed for achieving climate-neutral power generation by 2050, with the current rate level of power generation. Based on the results, RES investment needs can be estimated. Overall, the results of the scenarios can be used for the strategic planning of the power generation sector in BiH until 2050.

This study presents a methodological framework for determining the optimal combination of energy efficiency measures and renewable energy sources technologies, through a case study of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty at the University of Sarajevo. The main objective is to define a strategy for enhancing building sustainability by simultaneously addressing energy performance, environmental impact, and financial feasibility. The proposed framework enables multi-criteria decision-making in complex energy retrofit projects where conflicting objectives are often encountered. The methodology is based on the creation of six retrofit scenarios, each integrating various energy efficiency measures (e.g., building envelope insulation, high-efficiency heating, and cooling systems) and renewable energy sources technologies (e.g., solar thermal systems, photovoltaic panels). Scenario evaluation is conducted through defined criteria divided into three categories: energy (e.g. energy consumption for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water preparation), environmental (e.g. direct and indirect carbon-dioxide emissions, embodied carbon), and financial (e.g. total implementation cost). Energy simulations were performed using the KiExpert software, while the scenario ranking was conducted using the VIKOR multi-criteria decision-making method. The results indicate that Scenario S5 (ground-source heat pump combined with a natural gas condensing boiler, a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, graphite EPS insulation, and PVC–aluminium windows) is the most favourable from energy and investment standpoints. Conversely, Scenario S3 (biomass boiler, hemp insulation, wood–aluminium windows, and external shading devices) offers the best environmental performance while also ranking second in terms of investment. These findings suggest that the final choice depends heavily on investor preferences, underscoring the need to balance sustainability targets and economic constraints (e.g. decreasing energy consumption, increasing RES share, minimizing costs). The developed methodology is applicable to energy retrofitting of various building types, particularly in contexts of integrating EE and RES measures. A comprehensive, integrated design approach and implementation of synergistic solutions in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, are key factors in the transition to a sustainable and resilient construction sector, with the aim of reducing energy consumption and operating costs, improving the quality of the living environment and reducing the negative impact on the environment.