Salom Fund believes strongly in the connections between environmental stewardship, public health, and economic development, and works to promote sustainable development and environmental awareness in Tajikistan.
Energy Efficiency
Salom Fund strives to improve the energy-efficiency of schools and medical facilities with its renovations, including replacing outdated single-pane windows with modern, double-pane windows and purchasing energy-efficient HVAC units for some facilities. These windows not only reduce the environmental impact of heating and cooling the buildings, they also improve comfort and health for students, patients, and staff at these facilities.
For example, teachers in Tajikistan commonly cover old or damaged windows with thick plastic sheets in winter in an attempt to reduce drafts. This darkens the room and strains the eyesight of the students. Replacing old, drafty windows with properly sealed, energy-efficient ones eliminates the need for plastic sheets and makes the classrooms both warmer and brighter in winter. Teachers have also reported fewer absences due to illness in classrooms where the windows have been replaced.
Modern, energy-efficient HVAC units also reduce the environmental impact of heating and cooling, and are especially important in medical facilities, where they help maintain medications at proper temperatures.
Renewable Energy
Salom Fund is currently actively looking for partners in Tajikistan to support the development of renewable energy there. Much of Tajikistan’s energy is currently powered by hydroelectric dams, but drought and climate change have impacted the supply and resulted in shortages in recent years. Salom Fund hopes to help Tajikistan meet its energy needs with solar and wind power.