E-Ostrów 2050 – Ecologic, Energetic, Economic City

Description

The aim of the project is the sustainable development of the city in the social, environmental, economic and institutional dimensions, which will improve the quality of life of the present and future inhabitants of Ostrów Wielkopolski and improve the availability of public services. The result of the project implementation will be the implemented activities and their undertakings, solving the diagnosed problems of the city indicated in the Local Development Plan and the Institutional Development Plan. As a result of the planned activities, the city:

• will create friendly, safe and modern urban mobility,
• develop cheap and accessible modern schools, kindergartens and nurseries,
• will improve the energy efficiency of public utility buildings,
• it will promote entrepreneurial attitudes among children and youth, focusing on economic patriotism and promotion of local companies and their products,
• will provide attractive investment areas, influencing its economic development,
• create equal opportunities for everyone, respecting diversity and being friendly to people with disabilities,
• will reduce the occurrence of smog / air pollution,
• it will increase the professionalism and competences of local government employees.

Summary of project results

The vision behind joining the “Local Development Programme” was worded in the slogan: “E-Ostrów 2050 – an ecological, energetic and economic city". The vision refers to the social, economic and environmental areas, as well as to the institutional scope, creating a guide for an active management and leading profound changes that are expressed in the Local Development Plan and the Institutional Development Plan for the nearest 30 years. It is a far-reaching vision which involves 4 goals:

• Main goal No. 1: Ostrów Wielkopolski as an ecological and energy-independent city of the future
• Main goal No. 2: Ostrów Wielkopolski as an economical city without barriers which is family and people friendly
• Main goal No. 3: Ostrów Wielkopolski as an entrepreneurial city
• Main goal No. 4: Ostrów Wielkopolski as a city of friendly administration

The goals have been subject to public consultation and received positive opinions from their participants. The main idea behind the goals is sustainable development, which means “such social and economic development which increases the quality of life of the present and future generations while lowering the pressure on the environment.”

Main goal No. 1: Ostrów Wielkopolski as an ecological and energy-independent city of the future is the answer for the problems concerning the environment, especially air quality and water resources, as well as challenges for the climate and energy policy that the local authorities are aware of. The goal expresses our drive towards improving the energy efficiency and independence – based on the local and distributed energy system, decarbonisation of transport and development of urban greenery. The reason for setting up this goal are the environmental problems, i.e.:

• non-satisfactory air quality (caused inter alia by high carbon-emitting buses of the Municipal Transportation Agency),
• low share of renewable energy sources (RES) in energy sourcing,
• the problem of water retention,
• small area occupied by urban greenery.

Main goal No. 2: Ostrów Wielkopolski as an economical city without barriers which is family and people friendly is the answer of the local government to the key social problems.The authorities of the city want to create a city without barriers, providing a high standard of living and meeting the accessibility standards of the highest possible level. Ostrów Wielkopolski should be a city where people and their diversity are of utmost importance; a city which focuses on the needs of the local diverse community and different lifestyles while creating equal chances of personal development for all the residents.

That goal answers the key problems in the social sphere, e.g.:

• the depopulation of the city,
• the ageing of the society and further increase of the demographic burden,
• the low number of people (both residents and tourists) who visit cultural institutions and sports clubs,
• the deepening stratification in the housing market.

Main goal No. 3: Ostrów Wielkopolski as an entrepreneurial city refers to the problems of the economic sphere. The achievement of this goal is possible thanks to the preparation of attractive investment areas and the development of entrepreneurial behaviours among young people, as well as to supporting entrepreneurs from the city centre through educational activities concerning the topics of keeping the company''s potential and increasing the aesthetics of public spaces. Ostrów Wielkopolski should be an attractive and sought after place for businesses.The goal refers to problems in the economic sphere, i.e.:

• the low dynamics of the city’s development,
• the decreasing proportion of people in Ostrów Wielkopolski who are hired in services,
• the lack of big companies attracting other businesses and helping to strengthen the brand of the city and its economy,
• problems with attracting new investors to the city,
• the labour migration of residents who look for better salaries in other cities,
• the outflow of young people.

Main goal No. 4: Ostrów Wielkopolski as a city of friendly administration. The above goal proves the need to include the development of institutions into the mainstream of the city''s development. It shows how important is the successful cooperation between the local administration and different groups of residents. Ostrów Wielkopolski should be the city of successful administration – ensuring the highest quality of customer service. To achieve that goal we should focus on both the competences of the employees of the local administration and some soft skills. The goal refers to the diagnosed problems and needs, concerning:

• the trainings aimed at developing soft skills.
• the improvement of the communication between the employees of the local administration and both the society and businesses.

The project was aimed at the sustainable development of Ostrów Wielkopolski, including social, environmental, economic and institutional areas, in order to increase the life quality of the city''s residents and the availability of public services. Undertaken actions focused on turning the city into a modern and friendly place through different types of investments and social initiatives concerning the protection of the environment, supporting entrepreneurship and intelligent management. Among the most important are such initiatives as:

1.         Improving energy-efficiency in the public sector. That initiative included two investments: the thermo-modernisation of the building of the Primary School No. 1 in Ostrów Wielkopolski, including the assembly of mechanical ventilation, the replacement of woodwork and the installation of solar panels, what increased the thermal comfort and accessibility for the disabled, as well as the  modernization of street lights at two estates, where 450 lights were replaced to LED. Apart from that, 80 poles were changed and the remote control system was introduced. The final beneficiaries of that initiative are the residents of Ostrów Wielkopolski, as well as pupils, their parents and teachers. Two other actions accompanied the initiative mentioned above: the supervision over the modernisation of the Primary School No. 1 building and the lighting infrastructure inventory, performed by our partner – OUiD Sp. z o.o., and the preparation of technical documentation and pre- and post-audits, as well as organising training concerning the management and design of the lighting infrastructure.Thanks to it, we managed to achieve energy savings (103.75 MWh/year) and ecological effects (CO₂ emission reduction by 73.455 tonnes/year). The initiative helped to increase the air quality, lower the costs of the infrastructure maintenance and increase to comfort of living of the residents of Ostrów Wielkopolski.

2.         The development of the zero-emission public transport with the associated infrastructure. This initiative was a part of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan for Ostrów Wielkopolski. As part of the investment initiative, the transport infrastructure was expanded and modernised, including 12 standard and 4 green bus stops and the investment in the Passenger Information System (modernisation of 6 old and installation of 5 new boards). The new boards display information about the public transport timetable, air quality and data concerning the level of PM10, PM2,5 and PM1, as well as the weather, increasing the ecological awareness of the residents. The green bus stops with plants planted on their roofs and walls, improve the micro-clime and lower the temperature even by 10°C during heat waves. They are also equipped with rainwater drainage systems, supporting the sustainable water management. As part of the initiative the technical staff of the Miejski  Zakład  Komunikacji  S.A (Municipal Transportation Agency) underwent trainings concerning the effective use of electric buses. The initiative helped to improve the air quality and comfort of passengers, bringing profits for both the city and the final beneficiaries.

3. The reduction of smog and air pollution. This initiative aimed at the reduction of smog and air pollution and was implemented in accordance with the project’s assumptions. In included the inventory of 23 buildings in Ostrów Wielkopolski, focused at their energy efficiency and encompassed energy audits and examinations conducted with the use of an infrared camera. The goal was to diagnose the energy needs of the public buildings and thus help the municipality to plan further actions concerning the modernisation of installations and heating devices. Thanks to the information obtained, the municipal commune can take actions leading to the improvement of the air quality, protection of the environment and lowering the level of pollution. It will also help to improve the quality of the environment and to lower the costs of the public infrastructure maintenance, as well as to increase the comfort and safety of the residents. The final beneficiaries are the residents of the city and the owners of the buildings that were included in the examination.

4. Friendly, safe and modern urban mobility  Both the investment and the non-investment actions were introduced in accordance with the project’s assumptions, what helped to answer the problem of traffic levels and safety. As part of the initiative, the comprehensive examination of the car and bike traffic levels was prepared. It also included the analysis (based on the research performed) of meeting the needs of the residents concerning the public transport and the launch of a parking guidance system, equipped with sensors and wireless information boards. The system was implemented by the Road Administration on behalf of the Ostrów Wielkopolski Municipal Commune and the final beneficiaries were the residents – especially drivers. The system helps to lower the traffic levels and allows the drivers to quicker finds free parking spots what improves the traffic flow and safety. Thanks to the solution we also managed to reduce the level of pollution, meeting the goals in their spacial, social and digital aspects.

5.  The city of equal chances and for every person – respecting diversity and friendly. That initiative aimed at supporting the social integration and increasing the level of respect for the diversity, especially when it comes to the disabled. We prepared and ran a social campaign titled: “I am just disabled” which included TV spots, billboards, leaflets and meetings of the residents with the disabled. The campaign promoted positive attitudes and helped to better understand some specific challenges that the disabled have to face, e.g.: “I just cannot walk”, “I just cannot see”. The goal was to build social understanding, so that the disabled can be perceived as fully fledged members of the society, able to actively participate in the city''s life. Thanks to the support of the Ostrów Wielkopolski Municipal Commune, as well as the non-governmental organisations, especially Stowarzyszenie Ostrowianie Dzieciom Specjalnej Troski (The support group of the residents of Ostrów Wielkopolski for the children with special needs) the campaign helped to increase the awareness of the local community and activate the disabled. The long term effect in an increased social and occupational independence of the disabled and the gradual change of the perception of them among the residents of Ostrów Wielkopolski.

6.   Providing attractive investment areas with all necessary infrastructure. That initiative was aimed at economic recovery of Ostrów Wielkopolski and attracting new investors. It included the preparation of investments grounds at Wrocławska Street and Wysocka Street by building a road which helped to improve the communication around the industrial and service area, helping to better use the space and internal connections. From the very beginning, the project helped to attract new investors and companies. The body responsible for the project was the Road Administration on behalf of the Ostrów Wielkopolski Municipal Commune. The initiative helped to recover a previously run-down part of the city, create new work places and strengthen the economy. The final beneficiaries are investors and the residents who are provided with new job opportunities.

7.  “Teaching children and teenagers how to be more entrepreneurial (…)”. The initiative was prepared in accordance with the project, answering the need to make the young people aware of the job and life opportunities in Ostrów Wielkopolski. It included two actions:

• “Do not be afraid of business…”  – a series of programmes and interviews with local businessmen. It helped to present the life and work conditions in Ostrów Wielkopolski and inspire young people to be more entrepreneurial. The trainings for the entrepreneurs included topics connected to social media and accountancy. The initiative was supported by the Ostrów Wielkopolski Municipal Commune and Stowarzyszenie Ostrowskie Centrum Wspierania Przedsiębiorczości (Centre for Entrepreneurship Promotion in Ostrów Wielkopolski).

•  “Be PRO” – occupational pre-orientation  workshops for students – 35 workshops for 1093 students in an interactive form, which was aimed at stopping the outflow of the young people from the city. As a part of the “open doors day” initiative, the students had a chance to learn more about the education offer of local schools and job opportunities. The project implemented by the Ostrów Wielkopolski County and Ostrów Wielkopolski Municipal Commune has profoundly helped to develop the competences of local entrepreneurs and increase the attractiveness of the economy of Ostrów Wielkopolski. The initiative has increased the level of competences of the entrepreneurs from Ostrów Wielkopolski and people who want to start their own business. As an effect, the attractiveness of the local economy was increased, together with the level of entrepreneurial skills of young people. The initiative was very popular what led to a decision to continue such type of workshops in the future.

9. Cheap and easily available schools and nurseries. That initiative was aimed at creating modern and available nursery schools and was implemented in accordance with the project, answering the need to increase the number of available places in nursery schools in Ostrów Wielkopolski. As part of the investment, a new building of the Nursery School No. 2 was build, which includes 12 classes and such facilities, as study and changing rooms, administrative and sanitary facilities, as well as a kitchen facilities, The building was adjusted to the needs of the disabled and equipped with modern energy systems, such as recuperation facility and solar panels. The area around the nursery school was planted with trees and plants. Moreover, a playground, divided into parts for different age groups, was built, as well as pavements, roads, parking lots and bicycle racks. As part of the non-investment actions we organised investors supervision. The initiative has helped to increase the quality of educational and day-care services in the city, providing young families with comfortable conditions and positively impacting the environment through the decrease of the energy consumption and the levels of pollutant emissions.

10.  “Professionalism and competences” – the initiative answers the training needs of the Municipal Office in terms of soft skills. Two key trainings were conducted: in terms of the customer service and communication. The training on the customer service was aimed at adjusting the standards of work to the changing needs and was positively assessed by the participants. The training on communication included such topics as the communication in a team, dealing with difficult situations and the ways to stay assertive, helping to develop a practical solutions for everyday use. The trainings have resulted in creating a report with recommendation concerning the ways to improve communication and customer service. Based on the report, we have implemented new standards of customer service and the assumptions of the Institutional Development Plan. The initiative has helped to increase the quality and effectiveness of public services, and the final beneficiary are the employees of the Municipal Office and the residents using public services.

The project has allowed to achieve such results, as:

• The increase of the number of days with good air quality in the municipality. The goal was a 2% increase and it was achieved. By the end of 2023 there were 349 days when the PM10 threshold was not exceeded, so the number of days with good air quality increased by 5.4%.
• The promotion of public transport which, through decreasing the car traffic levels in the city, helps also to decrease the CO₂ emissions – an environmental and social impact of the initiative. Also the standard of digital availability was increased. Apart from that, there was an increase in the quality of transport services and the attractiveness of the city.
• An increase in the information availability for the residents and their ecological awareness and public health.
• A decrease in the traffic levels through introducing an innovative parking system and improving the traffic flow and the road safety in the city.
• Support for families with children through increasing the availability of nursery schools.
• Social and occupational activation of the disabled and changing the way the disabled are perceived – they are people who can influence the development of the city and be both socially and professionally independent.
• Restoring the functions of attractive investment areas for future investors and thus creating new workplaces and driving economic development.
• An increase in the competences of the entrepreneurs from Ostrów Wielkopolski and people who want to start their own businesses.
• Increasing the attractiveness of the local economy and entrepreneurial and educational awareness among the young people.
• Decreasing the energy consumption and the volume of harmful gases and dust emission into the air.
• Lower costs of the public infrastructure maintenance and increasing the safety and comfort of life.
• An Improvement of the educational and day-care services which are very important for the city''s development through increasing the availability of nursery schools for young families.
• The know-how in the area of traffic flow optimisation, functioning of traffic control devices, plans for the extension of road network and increasing the road safety, especially when it comes to the safety of pedestrians.
• An increase in the competences and the quality of public services, their effectiveness and usefulness

Achieving these results brings many profits to many different groups that live and work in Ostrów Wielkopolski or visit the city. Beneficiaries:

• Residents: Thanks to the increase of the number of days with good air quality, the residents gain a healthier environment what improves their life quality and reduces the risk of diseases caused by air pollution. The reduction of the CO₂ emissions and better availability of public transport are actions that directly influence the everyday comfort and life quality of the residents.
• Youth: Decreasing the traffic and improving the availability of ecological means of transport helps to achieve a more healthy lifestyle and increases the ecological awareness of young people. The popularisation of entrepreneurship and educating the youth about economy improves their chances for professional development and builds bonds with the city what encourages them to set up their own companies and actively participate in the local market.
• The disabled: The actions connected to the social and professional activation of the disabled and adjusting public spaces and urban transport for their needs increase the comfort of life and help to integrate them with the local community. Promoting inclusion helps to make the disabled more socially and professionally independent.
• Entrepreneurs: An increase in the competences of local entrepreneurs and people planning to set up a business drives the city''s development. Investments in infrastructure and creating attractive investment areas make Ostrów Wielkopolski a more friendly place for running a business.
• Families with children: Increasing the availability of nurseries and schools ensures better level of care and education for children while giving families the possibility to meet their needs in terms of the care for children and staying active on the job market. An increased number of places in educational facilities lowers the pressure that families looking for support in the care of children have to face.
• People visiting the city: The improvement of the infrastructure, the development of attractive areas in the city, urban greenery and friendly urban mobility increases the attractiveness of Ostrów Wielkopolski for the visitors. The visitors may use better transportation conditions, modern parking solutions and safe, green urban areas.
• Drivers: Thanks to the implementation of modern parking system, improvement of the traffic flow and increasing the road safety, drivers experience higher comfort of driving. Lower levels of traffic positively influence the reduction of gridlocks, increase safety and lower air pollution, especially in the city centres.
• Local government employees: Investments in the development of competences of the local government employees, more effective traffic management and increasing the level of public services help to ensure the higher level of professionalism. Thanks to a technological and infrastructural support, the employees may more effectively provide services and meet the needs of the local community.
• Local community: All the actions aimed at lowering the energy consumption, digitalisation of public services, increasing the effectiveness of public institutions and promoting ecological solutions positively influence the overall life quality and health of the residents, as well as the development of the city which becomes more sustainable and modern.

Each of these groups has gained some specific, substantial advantages that come from comprehensive initiatives in Ostrów Wielkopolski, as part of the project: "E-Ostrów 2050 – an ecological, energetic and economic city".