Under the visionary leadership of the BEEN Project, the Gharpajhong Rural Municipality Office in Mustang—one of Nepal’s coldest regions—is undergoing a transformative retrofit to become a warm, energy-efficient, and productive workplace. Previously, the building offered only two comfortable hours per year, with 90% of its energy consumption dedicated to heating, forcing staff to rely on space heaters and sunrooms to stay warm. To address this challenge, a series of practical and sustainable retrofit solutions were implemented, including:
- Solar-based room heating system
- Double-glazed box windows
- Advanced thermal insulation using extruded polystyrene (XPS) for floors
- Locally sourced sheep wool (Magra) for walls and ceilings
Airtight construction techniques were also adopted to minimize heat loss and maximize energy efficiency. As a result, the office has achieved a 42% reduction in discomfort hours, now providing approximately 2,995 comfortable hours per year, while reducing heating demand by 53%. These improvements are not only enhancing thermal comfort but also contributing to a healthier, more efficient, and productive work environment.
