In the heart of Europe, Poland faces a monumental challenge: a building stock largely constructed before 1990, struggling to meet even basic thermal performance standards. As the European Union steers towards a climate-neutral future by 2050, the need for long-term renovation strategies (LTRSs) has never been more pressing. Enter Edyta Plebankiewicz, a researcher from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Cracow University of Technology, who has delved into the economic efficiency of modernizing Poland’s building stock, with a particular focus on energy efficiency improvements.
Plebankiewicz’s research, published in the journal *Energies* (which translates to “Energies” in English), highlights the critical role of thermal modernization in achieving the EU’s climate goals. “The state of buildings in Poland necessitates urgent thermal modernization measures,” Plebankiewicz asserts. Her study evaluates various energy sources and modernization options for a model single-family house, providing valuable insights for the energy sector and construction industry.
The research employs two sophisticated multi-criteria decision-making methods: the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). These methods help assess the economic and environmental performance of different energy sources. According to the AHP analysis, renewable energy sources (RESs) emerge as the top contenders, with a global priority of 0.46. Meanwhile, TOPSIS evaluations reveal that electricity-based systems, such as air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, and electric heating, demonstrate the most favorable environmental performance.
Heat pump systems, in particular, show significant potential for reducing energy consumption by 26–41%, depending on the building and heat pump type. This finding underscores the importance of investing in these technologies to drive energy efficiency and cut costs in the long run.
Plebankiewicz’s study also addresses the discrepancies arising from climate zones, which can significantly impact final primary energy results. This aspect is crucial for stakeholders in the energy sector, as it highlights the need for tailored solutions that consider regional climate variations.
The research concludes with an analysis of different thermal modernization options for a model single-family house. The most economically favorable scenario involves implementing all renovation measures at an early stage, resulting in the lowest investment burden over time. This finding has significant commercial implications for the energy sector, as it underscores the importance of early and comprehensive modernization efforts to achieve optimal economic performance.
As the EU pushes towards a climate-neutral building stock, Plebankiewicz’s research provides a roadmap for achieving energy efficiency goals in Poland and beyond. By highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of thermal modernization and renewable energy sources, her work offers valuable insights for policymakers, energy sector professionals, and construction industry stakeholders. The study not only shapes future developments in the field but also underscores the urgent need for action to meet the EU’s climate targets.
In the words of Plebankiewicz, “The time to act is now. By investing in thermal modernization and renewable energy sources, we can achieve a climate-neutral building stock and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”