Poland's building thermal modernization strategy aims to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions to meet EU requirements, while addressing social and technical challenges, especially in the modernization of historic buildings, but loses expertise in the process, often reducing the quality of post-renovation operation.
Warsaw, February 2022 - The Council of Ministers announces the Long-term Strategy for the Renovation of Buildings (DSRB). The document defines the necessary actions to achieve high energy efficiency and low carbon buildings in Poland by 2050. According to the strategy, by 2050 it is estimated that some 7.5 million thermal modernization investments will be carried out, including 4.7 million deep thermal modernizations. As we can read on the website of the Ministry of Development and Technology, a survey of all buildings in Poland, both public and private, was conducted for the purpose of developing the strategy, which shows that there are 14.2 million buildings in Poland, almost 40% of which are single-family dwellings.
This is a prelude to the progressive replacement of the gray, drab plaster of a block of flats or a school with beige or peach facade paint (optionally, a mix of pastel or rainbow colors were chosen, combining into various geometric shapes).
Act One - European Union.
The Union aims to reduce residential energy consumption by 16% by 2030 and 20-22% by 2035, focusing on thermal retrofitting of the least energy-efficient buildings. At least 55% of the energy savings will come from renovating 43% of the most energy-intensive buildings. In Poland, this means retrofitting hundreds of thousands of homes.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is being recast in 2024. It is a continuation of earlier energy efficiency legislation, and is intended to streamline the energy consumption of buildings in use and construct new buildings to an appropriate standard. Starting in 2030, new buildings are to be zero-emission. The cladding of buildings with Styrofoam continues at its best.
ING Bank Slaski asks Polish women and men about their attitudes toward thermomodernization. The results of the survey "Poles' attitude to thermomodernization" show that more than a quarter of those surveyed (about 25%) have no plans to undertake thermomodernization measures. At the same time, 66% of those surveyed expect the price of more energy-efficient housing to rise, indicating a growing awareness of the value of environmentally friendly buildings. However, on the other hand, 52% are concerned that the new regulations may make the process of obtaining approval for home construction more difficult. Only 33% of respondents expect the value of buildings that do not meet energy efficiency requirements to decline.
Buildings are responsible for more than a third of the European Union's greenhouse gas emissions, 60% of which come from residential buildings. Upgrading them can reduce emissions by 60-90% and energy expenditures by up to 50%. Thermal modernization improves energy efficiency and thermal comfort. In the EU, about 85% of buildings were built before 2000, and 3/4 of them have low energy efficiency, making the building sector consume 42% of energy and generate about 1/3 of greenhouse gas emissions.
In Poland, thermomodernization is regulated by the "Law on Support for Thermomodernization and Renovation" dated November 21, 2008. (Journal of Laws 2008 No. 223 item 1459). According to it, thermomodernization is construction work carried out in buildings, aimed at permanently reducing the demand for energy needed to meet the needs of users (increasing thermal comfort) of these buildings and reducing the content of harmful substances in exhaust gases, consisting in:
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technical modernization of existing building installations aimed at reducing energy consumption, including in particular through the use of renewable energy sources;
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execution of thermal insulation of building partitions, aimed at reducing energy losses;
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performing other construction work aimed at reducing energy consumption.
act two - styrofoam in the lead role.
Thermomodernization is the process of improving the energy efficiency of buildings, which reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It does not boil down to just wrapping facades with Styrofoam, although practice shows that Poland leads Europe in its production - between July 2017 and June 2018, 257 thousand tons of polystyrene were used. The most popular method of insulation is the ETICS technology, or light-wet method, based on the installation of layers of insulation (usually made of polystyrene foam) covered with thin-coat plasters. The method is widely used because it is accessible, easy to install, and the teams have a lot of experience in it, because... it is the most widely used.
The most popular method of insulation is ETICS technology
Magdalena Milert
As we can read on one of the manufacturer's websites, the quality of construction chemicals and insulation materials that affect the durability of the facade plays a key role [specific products are recommended here]. In practice, however, it is important to remember that, first , full thermal modernization also includes work such as roof and floor insulation, upgrading windows and doors, upgrading heating and ventilation systems and installing renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and heat pumps, and the whole process must be designed. Secondly, the construction work largely depends on the construction team and the quality of the work. When I brought up the topic of thermal retrofitting, one of my observers wrote to me that her mother and many others complained that in the work near the exterior parapets, care was not taken and materials were spared, as a result of which there.... there is simply a hole. After the upgrade, it simply blows out of this place. This is an element that is not visible to the naked eye, but the defect is palpable.
Act three - it is better not to do it.
We may encounter the opinion that (and I quote) "thermomodernization has reached the level of absurdity." Often this problem concerns schools, where grants for insulating buildings were readily available, but the work was often done in a manner inconsistent with the art of construction. As a result of the modernization, conditions inside the schools began to negatively affect the well-being of children - the lack of proper ventilation after the renovation even made some of them faint. I mention this on my Instagram, asking myself if it's true - unfortunately, yes. Such stories do happen.
"Totally so in my former elementary school, where my mother now works. They did thermal upgrades but without proper ventilation. The school is stuffy, smells musty. Children feel bad, they complain. Parents also pay attention to it."
- writes one of my observers
Is this absurd? In my opinion - no. This is an example of poorly designed modernization. Recuperation, i.e. mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, is able to support thermal modernization measures by reducing energy losses associated with ventilation. This allows some heat to be recovered from the exhaust air, reducing the energy required to heat the building.
Evaluation of the decision to thermomodernize a house - survey "Poles' attitude to thermomodernization" commissioned by ING Bank Slaski
ING Bank Slaski
However, let's return to the ING survey. More than half of respondents believe that thermomodernization is profitable only for the wealthiest, as the investment may not pay off. In addition, as many as 80% of respondents believe that the implementation of such an investment requires financial support, for example, in the form of a loan or a subsidy. Of those planning to upgrade, 33% are those with incomes exceeding PLN 10,000, indicating a link between interest in investing in energy efficiency and the level of earnings. At the same time, half of those considering thermal upgrading are waiting for more favorable public subsidies, demonstrating the need for further financial support from the state to encourage a wider range of people to invest in building energy efficiency. The results of the survey reveal that many people still perceive thermomodernization as a challenge, especially in financial terms.
Act four - the monument
Residents of a block of flats on Schroeger Street in Old Bielany are objecting to a decision by a monument preservationist not to allow the building to be insulated. They argue that an uninsulated building generates high heating costs. The block is located in the estate "Piechotkowo," listed in the register of historical monuments, which makes it difficult to carry out the modernization. Residents complain of cold, dampness and rising heating bills. Despite numerous requests, the conservator refuses to allow thermal modernization on the grounds that it could disrupt the appearance of the facade. The deputy mayor of Bielany supports the residents, but the problem remains unsolved, and the residents are even considering a motion to remove the building from the register of historical monuments.
Thermo-modernization of monuments involves large financial outlays, which is a challenge especially for municipal and social buildings. Local governments, as owners of many such buildings, must seek funds for modernization. The high costs do not end with the construction work itself - there are also formal procedures, including obtaining permits required for the renovation of historic buildings.
Thermal modernization of historic buildings aims to improve energy efficiency while preserving the historical and aesthetic value of these buildings. Historic buildings, due to their unique architecture and cultural significance, require a special approach. In the case of monuments, thermal modernization is associated with legal restrictions due to conservation protection. Any interference must be approved by a conservator, and the solutions used should be in accordance with regulations on the protection of cultural heritage. Existing buildings with rich facades or ornamentation cannot be insulated with common methods such as Styrofoam.
Thermomodernization of the building
Magdalena Milert
In Poland, the thermomodernization of historic buildings requires an individual approach, so thermal insulation of internal partitions is used, among other things, so as not to interfere with the external aesthetics. Another method is to replace window frames with more energy-efficient ones, while preserving the original shapes and details. Upgrading heating systems, such as installing heat pumps, and sealing the building to reduce thermal bridges are other ways to improve energy efficiency - again, it's not just Styrofoam on the facade.
However, we do have the 2020 document "Guidelines of the General Conservator of Monuments for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Values in the Process of Improving the Energy Performance of Historic Buildings," which outlines principles for the effective thermal modernization of historic buildings, preserving their historical and artistic value:
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Energy audit - An audit should be carried out before starting work, taking into account both energy gains and losses.
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Reversibility and minimal interference - The methods chosen should be reversible, with little interference with the structure of the building to avoid losing the original values of the monument.
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Repairingmasonry and plaster - Repairing masonry and plaster has a significant impact on improving thermal performance. Preference should be given to repairs using original technologies and preserving existing elements.
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Insulationand ventilation - Instead of full insulation, it is recommended to insulate ceilings and roofs, without changes that could damage the original building structure. The ventilation system needs careful review to ensure proper air exchange without sealing leading to condensation.
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Moistureprotection - Removing moisture and waterproofing the building are key measures to help prevent further structural damage and heat loss.
The guidelines aim to balance the protection of historic buildings with the need to improve their energy efficiency, in accordance with sustainable development principles.
act five - moral and lessons
An example of a good and aesthetically pleasing thermal modernization process is the City Hall building at 10 Powstania Warszawskiego Avenue in Krakow. It is a model of successful rescue of architecture of post-war modernism. Designed by Jerzy and Maria Chronowski, the building, distinguished by its characteristic "razor blades," underwent a modernization process under the guidance of MTWW Architekci studio. The designers aimed to preserve the original elements of the building as much as possible, but the condition of some details, required out-of-the-box solutions to achieve modern thermal insulation standards. Through consultation and archival research, it was possible to preserve the spirit of the original design, combining aesthetics with functionality. The building was recognized in the 2017 Façade of the Year competition and won the title in the "thermally upgraded building" category.
Similarly, the project for the headquarters of the Confucius Institute - Center for Chinese Language and Culture at Jagiellonian University in Krakow is an example of successful thermal modernization, which won the award in the Façade of the Year competition.
The original prefabricated building from the 1960s was in need of modernization. Architect Ewa Misków-Janik made changes that refreshed the appearance of the building - new details, varied colors and three-dimensionality gave it a dynamic character. The renovation carried out in 2019 significantly affected the aesthetics and energy efficiency of the building, preserving its functionality and giving it a new quality.
Is the thermal modernization of buildings in Poland a complicated process that requires careful planning and consideration of both technical and conservation aspects? Of course it is - like any architectural process. The challenge is, of course, greater if the building is historic. Regardless of the age of the building, we need good designs, including for more "ordinary" buildings such as blocks of flats and schools, which, firstly, will not cause a thermos effect with a lack of ventilation, and secondly, will not disfigure. With properly carried out work, significant savings in operating costs are possible, up to 60% of energy consumption. This is achieved through the use of properly selected and designed heating technologies and improved insulation, which directly translates into a stable indoor temperature and reduces the risk of moisture. All this contributes to improving the living comfort of the residents.
