Building thermal modernization – is funding available?
Insulating residential and industrial buildings is of great importance both for the comfort of occupants and for environmental protection. Modern, passive construction generates virtually no carbon footprint, and its maintenance costs are significantly lower than those of “older” buildings. Insulation is one element of thermal modernization. Read on to learn what this process involves, how to organize it, and whether an investor can receive funding for thermal modernization.
What is thermal modernization and why is it worth carrying out?
Thermal modernization refers to a set of measures aimed at eliminating or significantly reducing heat loss in a building. It plays a key role especially in older buildings constructed with materials that have poorer insulation properties.
Effective insulation primarily means reduced energy consumption and lower heating bills. It also improves comfort, as even during severe frost there are no issues with heating rooms, cold floors, or walls. Maintaining a comfortable temperature more easily also leads to lower consumption of fossil fuels such as gas or coal, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. By insulating a house or industrial facility, you contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Even if a building is powered by renewable energy sources (e.g., photovoltaic systems), thermal modernization still makes sense. It “frees up” part of the electricity, which can then be used for other purposes, such as charging an EV without needing to draw power from the grid.
Thermal modernization of a building – what does it include?
The scope of thermal modernization work varies depending on the technical condition of the building and the investor’s resources. Legal definitions (e.g., for tax relief purposes) indicate that such measures include:
- reducing the demand for energy used for heating and domestic hot water,
- improvements that reduce primary energy losses,
- connecting the building to a centralized heat source to lower heating costs,
- partially or fully replacing energy sources with renewable ones or using high-efficiency cogeneration.
Thermal modernization can involve various types of renovation work and does not always require a full overhaul. Improvements can be implemented gradually, spreading costs over time.
A key element is insulating the building’s facade using materials such as polystyrene, mineral wool, or PUR foam. Special attention should be paid to thermal bridges (e.g., around chimneys and windows).
It is also worth insulating internal partitions such as ceilings and floors to ensure the building retains heat in all directions.
Another common step is replacing windows and doors. Modern solutions include triple-glazed windows filled with noble gas and equipped with warm-edge spacers. High-quality windows can achieve a heat transfer coefficient (U-value) as low as 0.5 W/(m²K), making them suitable for energy-efficient and passive buildings.
Finally, upgrading the heating system may be necessary. Popular modern solutions include combining photovoltaics with heat pumps, gas boilers with solar panels, or using thermal storage systems (heat buffers).
Comprehensive thermal modernization – what does it involve and what are the benefits?
Comprehensive thermal modernization involves extensive renovation and construction work aimed at significantly reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency. These projects are typically long-term and costly but can deliver substantial results.
Proper planning is essential, including calculating the total investment cost. Conducting an energy audit is recommended to determine the initial state and plan subsequent steps effectively.
Thermal modernization – what funding programs are available?
When considering thermal modernization, it is worth exploring available financial support options. Both individuals and businesses (including farmers) can apply, although the available programs differ by group.
For individuals, available options include:
- a thermal modernization bonus covering up to 26% of project costs (or 31% if renewable energy sources are included),
- a tax relief of up to PLN 53,000 per taxpayer (PLN 106,000 for jointly filing spouses),
- the “Warm Apartment” program supporting air quality improvements in multi-family buildings,
- the “Stop Smog” program for low-income households,
- the “Clean Air” program for comprehensive modernization and heating system upgrades,
- the “My Heat” program supporting heat pump installations.
Businesses can benefit from programs such as Energia Plus, thermal modernization bonuses, and White Certificates. They may also apply for an ecological loan through the national development bank, provided the project reduces primary energy consumption by at least 30%.
Farmers can access programs like Agroenergia, which offers subsidies for photovoltaics, heat pumps, and energy storage (up to 20% of eligible costs, capped at PLN 25,000).
