Thermomodernization of 5 selected educational buildings in the Capital City of Warsaw – part 1

Description

Project description summary The main objective of the project is improving the energy performance of school buildings through the implementation of investment tasks leading to lower CO2 emission, reduced energy consumption upgraded building energy standards, and also increased social awerness. The co-financing covers 5 school buildings located in Warsaw. The technical condition and energy consumption at the buldings is considerably higher than the standard values permissible for public utility buildings. The heat loss is caused by poorly-insulated flat roofs, walls, windows and doors. The project implementation will also address the problem of an unsatisfactory condition of natural environment resulting, among other things, from poor air quality. Moreover, efforts to improve energy performance will produce relatively quick and visible effect. The tangible effects of the project implementation will include reducing CO2 emission and energy consumption in the buldings, lowering building maintenance costs and increasing energy safety. The target group is constituted by direct (aprox. 3,000 people), and indirect users of thermomodernised schools, especially children and teenagers, teaching staff, administration officers and residents.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several key issues related to the poor energy efficiency of selected primary and secondary school buildings in Warsaw. The buildings were in poor technical condition, characterized by low thermal insulation levels, inefficient heating systems, and outdated windows, doors, and roofs. This led to excessive energy consumption, high operational costs, and significant greenhouse gas emissions, negatively impacting the environment and public health.

Specifically, the project targeted:

1. Excessive Energy Loss: Heat was being lost through uninsulated walls, roofs, and floors, as well as through inefficient windows and doors.
2. High Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Inefficient energy use contributed to elevated CO2 emissions and air pollution, including particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.
3. Non-Compliance with Standards: Energy consumption in these public utility buildings exceeded acceptable norms for schools.
4. Environmental and Health Concerns: Poor air quality resulting from increased emissions impacted both the local environment and community health.

The project sought to mitigate these challenges through a comprehensive thermal modernization effort, including building insulation, heating system upgrades, photovoltaic panel installation, and educational campaigns to raise awareness about energy efficiency and sustainability.

The main issues and challenges during the implementation of the project were as follows:

• Adjusting class schedules to ongoing construction work – Since the construction was carried out during the school year, it was necessary to carefully plan the schedule to minimize the impact on the daily functioning of the schools.
• Weather conditions – Construction work was conducted during winter as well, which posed both organizational and technical challenges. Low temperatures made it impossible to carry out certain stages of the work.
• Increased investment costs – During the project, unforeseen construction tasks arose, increasing the overall budget. Additionally, inflation and the war in Ukraine led to higher prices for building materials, creating further financial strain on the project.

All these factors required a flexible approach to project management and close cooperation between contractors, schools, and the investor.

The project focused on the thermal modernization of primary schools. The main activities implemented and outcomes delivered included:

• Building insulation – Thermal insulation of external walls, roofs, and floors was carried out to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss in the school buildings.
• Replacement of windows and doors – Old, inefficient windows and doors were replaced with modern, energy-efficient alternatives to enhance thermal performance and reduce energy consumption.
• Heating system modernization – Outdated heating systems were upgraded or replaced with modern, efficient technologies to ensure consistent indoor temperatures and lower energy costs.
• Modernization of heat substations – Existing heat substations were modernized to improve their efficiency, allowing better management of heat distribution and minimizing energy losses.
• Installation of photovoltaic panels – Solar panels were installed to harness solar energy, reducing reliance on grid electricity and supporting sustainable energy use.
• Ventilation system renovation – Existing ventilation systems were modernized or replaced to improve indoor air quality and increase energy efficiency.
• Construction of bird nesting boxes – In accordance with ornithological surveys, bird nesting boxes were installed to support local wildlife and minimize the environmental impact of construction activities.
• Information and promotional campaign – Educational and promotional activities were conducted, including lessons and lectures for children. These aimed to raise awareness about energy-saving methods and introduce modern energy technologies used, for instance, in EEA countries.
• Implementation of energy monitoring systems – Energy monitoring equipment was installed to enable real-time optimization and ensure long-term benefits from the modernization efforts.

These activities significantly improved the energy efficiency of the schools, reduced operational costs, contributed to environmental protection, and created more comfortable learning conditions for students and working environments for staff.

The project achieved significant results, benefiting multiple stakeholders, including students, school staff, and the wider community. The key outcomes and impacts included:

1. Improved Energy Efficiency
   • Significant reduction in energy consumption due to thermal insulation, upgraded heating systems, and photovoltaic panels.
   • Lower energy bills for schools, leading to cost savings that can be redirected to educational needs.
2. Enhanced Learning and Working Environment
   • More consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year, improving comfort for students and staff.
   • Improved indoor air quality due to modernized ventilation systems.
3. Environmental Benefits
   • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through decreased reliance on fossil fuels and the use of renewable energy.
   • Installation of bird nesting boxes, supporting local biodiversity and mitigating environmental impact.
4. Educational Impact
   • Awareness raised among students about energy conservation and sustainable practices through lessons and lectures as part of the informational campaign.
   • Enhanced understanding of modern energy technologies, fostering interest in environmental and technological fields.
5. Community and Societal Impact
   • Contribution to broader environmental goals, such as reducing carbon footprints and promoting renewable energy adoption.
   • A positive example of sustainable development for the local community, encouraging similar initiatives.

Beneficiaries:

• Primary beneficiaries: Students and school staff who now experience improved learning and working conditions.
• Secondary beneficiaries: Local communities, benefiting from environmental improvements and educational outreach.
• Global beneficiaries: Contribution to wider environmental sustainability goals, benefiting society as a whole.

Summary of bilateral results

In collaboration with the international project partner, utilizing the Ordering Party''s materials, a Guide to Good Practices in Energy Management in Buildings was created with the following characteristics: Universal and Practical Nature: The guide provides practical information applicable to public utility buildings.Content Focus: It addresses topics related to electrical and thermal energy, methods for saving energy, and possibilities for sourcing energy from renewable resources.The task was completed in February 2024. Additionally, during a conference on the project''s progress, the following topics were presented:1.Thermomodernization in Warsaw Schools: Discussions covered the scope and implementation of energy efficiency improvements in educational facilities. 2.Educational Campaigns: An overview of accompanying educational initiatives was provided. 3.Norwegian Partner’s Contribution: The Norwegian foundation shared examples of similar initiatives undertaken in Norway, fostering knowledge exchange and emphasizing bilateral cooperation. In March 2024, a representative of the Norwegian Partner visited Poland to attend the final conference summarizing the project''s activities. During the event, the representative delivered a presentation on sustainable development initiatives conducted in Norwegian schools, showcasing practical examples and best practices.Following the conference, the Norwegian Partner was taken on a tour of a Polish school that had undergone thermomodernization with support from EEA MF funds.These activities further strengthened bilateral relations, enabling both parties to exchange valuable knowledge and experiences in energy efficiency and sustainable development in educational facilities.