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Description
The main local problem identified and addressed to the project goals is high energy consumption and emission intensity of many buildings in the municipality as well as low social awareness of the need to solve the ecological and social problems resulting from above, especially in owners of outdated buildings/premises ("attachment to silesian tradition") and low readiness to apply for external funds for thermal modernization and renewable energy. The project is strictly in line with the EU, national and local strategic documents: postulates contained in the European Green Deal, the EU strategy until 2050, EPBD; National Air Protection Program, National Plan for Energy and Climate 2021-2030, National Strategy for Regional Development the 2030, Poland''s energy policy; Air Protection Program For the Opolskie Voivodeship. The project is ment to motivate the local community as the positive example of the use of external funds (in this case Norway and EEA funds) to more effective implementation of this type of modernisations and become beneficiaries of their effects. As a result the environmental footprint of 12 school buildings will significantly improve, as well as operational indicators and local awareness of the benefits resulted from thermomodernization and the use of renewable energy will increase (two target groups: adults residents using non-ecological stoves and students and teachers with institutions covered by the project). Planned results: reduction of app. 95% of annual CO2 emissions from buildings incl. in the project, final en. savings by app.60% and primary en. by approx. 90%, increase in energy production from RES by 93%. Added value resulting from strengthening of bilateral relations: acquiring new methodologies, experience and instilling practices, how to effectively transfer Norwegian standards of ecological attitude (resulted from high unconscious competences) to educational process adequate to be effectively adopted in conditions of Polish school.
Summary of project results
The project was intended to be one of the instruments for implementing the long-term policy of the Strzelce Opolskie Municipality, focusing on improving air quality, reducing CO2 emissions, eliminating non-ecological sources of low emissions, and adapting buildings (specifically public utility buildings intended for particularly vulnerable groups) to nearly zero-emission standards (in line with EU policy). For the local community, the project was also meant to serve as a motivating example of how external funds (in this case, Norwegian Funds and EEA Funds) can be used to effectively carry out such activities and become beneficiaries of their outcomes.
The key objective of the project was to improve air quality in the municipality by reducing the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere and providing support to social groups most vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change and air pollution. Another aim was to reduce heating costs for public buildings and modernize them in accordance with European energy efficiency requirements.
The main local issue identified was the high energy consumption and emissions of many buildings in the municipality. A significant number of these buildings were heated using outdated and highly emissive coal or heating oil boilers. While historically prevalent in the region, these technologies significantly contribute to environmental pollution, including the emission of PM10 and PM2.5 particulates as well as CO2. Another issue was the low social awareness of the need to address these environmental and social challenges, particularly among owners of outdated buildings and premises. This was often due to an attachment to "Silesian traditions" and limited willingness to apply for external funds for thermal modernization and renewable energy sources (RES).
To address these challenges, the project targeted buildings with the poorest technical and energy parameters. The selection of buildings was based on a detailed analysis that considered their energy efficiency, the type of heating systems used, and their overall technical condition. In each case, an assessment was carried out to determine the potential scope of modernization, taking into account factors such as heating system efficiency, investment costs, energy demand, and projected energy savings.
The project included comprehensive modernization activities, such as replacing outdated heating systems with modern and environmentally friendly solutions like heat pumps or biomass boilers. Additionally, thermal modernization was planned, including the insulation of walls, roofs, and floors, as well as the replacement of windows and doors with more energy-efficient alternatives. Another significant aspect was the installation of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic panels, to meet part of the energy demand from clean and renewable sources.
The project also had an educational and informational dimension. Meetings with residents were organized to present the benefits of thermal modernization and the use of renewable energy sources. These activities aimed to raise ecological awareness and encourage residents to undertake similar initiatives independently. Promoting best practices and showcasing achieved results also played an important role in inspiring other municipalities.
The measurable effects of the project included a significant reduction in the emission of harmful substances, improved energy efficiency of buildings, and lower maintenance costs. The applied technologies and modernizations made the buildings more environmentally friendly and comfortable for users, which particularly improved the quality of life for vulnerable groups.
The implementation of this project not only contributed to improving the environment but also demonstrated that local-level cooperation and effective use of external funds can lead to lasting and positive changes. The project serves as an inspiration for other municipalities facing similar problems and seeking effective solutions to improve residents'' quality of life and protect the environment.
As part of the agreement, the following investment tasks were carried out:
1. Improvement of energy efficiency in the building of the Primary School in Dziewkowice, Dziewkowice, ul. Strzelecka 3
Scope:
- Heating system: Connection of the heating system to the heat source in the educational building at ul. Strzelecka 1, replacement of pipelines in the boiler room with thermal insulation; comprehensive modernization of the central heating system, installation of thermal insulation for pipes, and replacement of radiators with new ones equipped with thermostatic valves.
- Insulation: Insulation of the roof with mineral wool, insulation of the ceiling under the attic with mineral wool, insulation of dormer walls with mineral wool, insulation of external walls with polystyrene, elimination of thermal bridges, insulation of window reveals, window sills, and lintels; replacement of single-glazed windows and doors.
2. Improvement of energy efficiency in the Educational Building ZPO in Dziewkowice, Dziewkowice, ul. Strzelecka 1
Scope:
- Heating system: Installation of a new condensing pellet boiler with a feeder (in the ZPO building) and connection through a newly constructed heating network with the Primary School at ul. Strzelecka 3, installation of a new automatic control system, replacement of pipelines in the boiler room with thermal insulation, installation of ventilation for the boiler room and fuel storage, installation of chimney components for the pellet boiler, and installation of a heat buffer; comprehensive modernization of the central heating system, installation of thermal insulation for pipes, and replacement of radiators with new ones equipped with thermostatic valves.
- Windows: Replacement of windows with new PVC units and installation of air vents.
- Insulation: Roof insulation with mineral wool, flat roof insulation with mineral wool, insulation of external walls with polystyrene, elimination of thermal bridges, insulation of window reveals, window sills, and lintels.
- Doors: Installation of new doors.
- Lighting: Replacement of fittings with new energy-efficient LED sources.
- Photovoltaics: Installation of a photovoltaic system.
3. Improvement of energy efficiency in the Primary School building of ZPO in Sucha, Sucha, ul. Kościelna 40
Scope:
- Heating system: Installation of a new condensing pellet boiler with a feeder, new fully automated integrated control system, installation of a heat buffer, replacement of pipelines in the boiler room, adaptation of the boiler room to the new heat source.
- Insulation: Insulation of walls in the ground with insulating material for plinth and foundation walls, insulation of the flat roof with insulating material, insulation of external walls with thermal insulation material, thermal insulation of window reveals, window sills, lintels, and elimination of thermal bridges.
- External doors: Replacement with new door joinery.
- Windows: Replacement with new window joinery.
4. Improvement of energy efficiency in the Gymnasium in Sucha, Sucha, ul. Kościelna 40
Scope:
- Insulation: Insulation of gymnasium walls in the ground with insulating material for plinth and foundation walls, insulation of the flat roof with insulating material, insulation of external walls with thermal insulation material, thermal insulation of window reveals, window sills, lintels, and elimination of thermal bridges.
- External doors: Replacement with new door joinery.
- Windows: Replacement with new window joinery.
- Ventilation: Installation of air handling units with heat recovery systems.
5. Improvement of energy efficiency in the Gymnasium building at PSP in Szymiszów, ul. Szkolna 2
Scope:
- Heating system: Installation of a new pellet boiler with a feeder, new fully automated integrated control system, replacement of pipelines in the boiler room, installation of a new chimney, and adaptation of the boiler room to the new heat source.
- External doors: Replacement of door joinery in the boiler room.
- Insulation: Insulation of walls in the ground with insulating material, insulation of the flat roof with insulating material, insulation of external walls with insulating material, thermal insulation of window reveals, window sills, lintels, and elimination of thermal bridges.
- Ventilation: Installation of an air handling unit with heat recovery systems.
- Photovoltaics: Installation of a photovoltaic system.
Additional Non-Investment Activities:
1. Transfer of experience from educational processes in RES and energy efficiency from Norway to Poland
Scope:
- International visit of schools from Szymiszów, Dziewkowice, and Sucha to Moss, Norway (22–26 September 2023).
- International visit of children from the school in Moss to Strzelce Opolskie (November 2023).
2. Communication and Promotion Activities
Scope:
- Two seminars (project initiation and conclusion), press conference summarizing the project.
- Development of a project website and its content.
- Content updates on the city’s fan page about the project, regular communication process, media appearances, press publications, and direct meetings.
- "Renewable Energy Academy" and a Norwegian Funds booth during Earth Day events in Strzelce Opolskie, distribution of gadgets with project logos and leaflets promoting Norwegian Funds and the implemented project.
3. Environmental Education
- Field education for adult residents of the municipality.
- Ecological competitions in schools.
- Training of local leaders-educators.
General Objective of the Project:
- Reduction of CO2 emissions – 335 tons/year,
- Renewable energy production – 203 MWh/year,
- Primary energy savings – 1058 MWh/year,
- Number of people benefiting from increased energy efficiency – 384.
Project Results:
- Number of school buildings where energy efficiency measures have been implemented – 4,
- Number of people reached through awareness-raising campaigns – 7,000,
- Number of awareness-raising campaigns conducted – 1,
- Number of trained specialists (in energy efficiency measures) – 12.
Project Outcomes:
- Number of energy-modernized buildings – 4,
- Total area of thermally modernized buildings – 4,001 m²,
- Additional electricity generation capacity from installed photovoltaic panels – 0.01495 MWe,
- Number of biomass-fired energy sources – 4,
- Number of photovoltaic installations – 2,
- Number of replaced/modernized heat sources – 4,
- Number of decommissioned heat sources – 4,
- Reduction in energy consumption for lighting purposes – 21.3 MWh/year.
The direct beneficiaries of the project are the students and staff of the schools in which thermal modernization was carried out. However, considering the impact of the undertaken actions on air quality, the group of beneficiaries who have significantly benefited from the project’s effects also includes residents of the towns where the investment activities were implemented (particularly residents of areas directly adjacent to the buildings undergoing thermal modernization and boiler replacements).
Due to the scope of the promotional and informational campaign, the beneficiaries, understood as individuals whose environmental awareness has increased thanks to the project, include a significant portion of the residents of the Strzelce Opolskie municipality. Considering that the promotional and informational campaign was conducted during the Strzelce Earth Days, the group of beneficiaries was further expanded to include residents of the Strzelce County, as well as the Opole and Silesian Voivodeships
Summary of bilateral results
The exchange of experiences on the educational process concerning RES and energy efficiency from Norway to Poland occurred during:An international visit by students from schools in Szymiszów, Dziewkowice, and Sucha to Moss, Norway (September 22–26, 2023).Students expanded their knowledge in ecology and environmental protection, particularly renewable energy sources and their use as alternatives for energy production, by visiting the Natural History Museum, specifically the Climate House (Klimahuset). The "Climate House" exhibition provided participants with up-to-date information based on scientific research about the current state of the Earth''s climate.Children had the opportunity to virtually touch volcanic lava or melting snow, experience standing in the middle of a swarm of bees, and glimpse into a future where the temperature is 3˚C higher.The exhibition "We are here and now" consisted of objects, multimedia installations, and texts that showcased natural and human-induced factors significantly impacting climate change. It illustrated what could be lost and the consequences of various future scenarios.Students also learned how they could contribute to combating climate change and their potential role in this effort.Participants of the exchange in Norway also had the opportunity to attend lessons at the partner school in Moss.An international visit by students from the school in Moss to Strzelce Opolskie, Poland (November 2023).The Norwegian delegation visited each of the schools that received financial support from the Norwegian Funds. Exchange participants attended lessons at the Public Primary School in Szymiszów and also visited the modern boiler room located in the gymnasium building, renovated with funds from the Norwegian Grants.The delegation also visited a photovoltaic farm near Olszowa.