Effects of deep thermal modernization and use of renewable energy in public buildings in North-Eastern Poland

Abstract

Rational use of energy in buildings, their maintenance and proper exploitation are important issues, because they determine the standards of life and health of the population. In existing buildings, it is necessary to carry out ongoing repairs or modernization to maintain proper technical condition as well as to reduce energy consumption and CO 2 emissions. This is part of the global activities aimed at increasing energy efficiency and care for the natural environment. Retrofitting may involve the building envelope, ventilation system, heating system, hot water preparation, lighting and the use of renewable energy. The best results are achieved because of comprehensive deep thermal modernization. The paper analyses the possibilities of energy consumption reduction because of deep thermal modernization and the use of renewable energy in few public buildings in rural areas in north-eastern Poland. This is a case study based on energy audits. Energy consumption decreased by 46-65 % and CO2 emissions by over 80 %. The share of renewable energy from solar collectors and photovoltaic panels was not high (from 3 % to 15 %). The cost of saving the energy unit during deep thermomodernization in the test sample was higher than its current price.