Aging residential buildings in urban areas require effective thermal insulation to enhance energy efficiency and indoor comfort. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), expanded polystyrene (EPS) is the most commonly used insulation material due to its affordability, despite concerns regarding its flammability and environmental impact. While regulatory changes since 2019 have recommended rock wool for high-rise buildings, the absence of binding fire safety regulations has allowed the continued use of EPS, often driven by financial constraints. This study examines energy efficiency refurbishments in Sarajevo’s high-rise residential buildings and analyze the implications of the partial implementation of recommended measures. Using case studies, surveys, and expert interviews, this research identifies key challenges, such as limited funding, fragmented renovations, and inconsistent coordination between stakeholders. The findings indicate that facade insulation is often prioritized over comprehensive upgrades, including window replacement and heating system improvements, leading to suboptimal energy savings and minimal cost reductions for residents. Additionally, the complexity of multi-apartment ownership structures hinders uniform improvements in energy efficiency. Despite these challenges, property values tend to increase after renovation, highlighting the long-term financial benefits. To maximize energy savings and ensure sustainable urban housing, stronger interdisciplinary collaboration, improved funding mechanisms, and adherence to fire-safety standards are necessary. These measures would enhance the effectiveness of renovations and support long-term energy efficiency strategies.

Any building, at any time could experience a fire. Because of that, occupants need a fire evacuation path that is designed according to the design standards as they are unable to be entirely prepared for fire emergency scenarios. However, the majority of these standards were developed using empirical judgments. The aim of the paper is to determine whether the fire escape exit route design takes into account the demands and behaviour of building occupants or if it only considers the recommendations and regulations already in place. One university building has been chosen for qualitative research, and as a result, students and teachers are the primary target population. The following factors are taken into consideration throughout the research: the number of students and professors, the movement speed of building occupants and persons with special needs, the plan, the number of floors, the width and length of corridors, the location and type of stairways, as well as type, position and geometry of doors. The findings of this case study indicated that younger occupants can safely exit the building, however older occupants and students with disabilities, as well as teaching personnel need more time for evacuation across the same evacuation paths in fire situation. In this regard, the findings of this research paper offer conclusions that might be useful in design and organization of such and similar buildings and environments.