Energy audits

TBS Housing Association Sin Szczecin, Poland completed a demonstration project for energy-efficient refurbishment. Co-financed by the EC, the project, as part of a larger pan-European Regen-link Project, linking energy-efficient regeneration schemes, was developed and implemented by local housing associations in Amsterdam, Dublin, Goteborg, London, Madrid, Paris and Szczecin.

At the start of this project the energy audits were a new phenomenon in Poland in 2002-2003. The investment was financed by tenants, owner-occupiers and STBS (the housing association). Both the city and the European Commission contributed financially.

In Szczecin the following measures were taken in refurbishing a low-income inner-city block (Block 36) of pre-war council houses: insulation of outside walls, replacement of double windows with single windows, of high insulation double glazing U value 1.1 W/K*m2, roof insulation as part of measures to convert previous unused attic space into dwellings, replacement of coal stoves with new heating systems: connection to district heating system or installation of individual gas heating boilers, installation of solar collectors for domestic hot water supply.

The selection of measures was based on energy audits made for each building. Some qualified for low-interest "termomodernisation" loans. Income from sale of empty attics - for creating new fiats - was directly reinvested in the project. The most complicated aspect of the project was the decision making process in the condominiums. Splintered ownership as a result of the tenants' right to buy their dwelling makes that each building has its condominium. All owners have to agree on the scope and financing of refurbishment activities.

Monitoring showed impressive savings on energy and harmful emissions. CO₂ emissions dropped by 44,4% (378,6 t/ year), while gross heat consumption decreased by 47,2%. Environmental progress comes not only from energy saving itself but also even more from the change of heat source. All earlier coal stoves were eliminated in this project. Rather simple technologies in the project are easily repeatable. The staff has built up extensive experience in discussing these complicated matters with residents and in the condominium meetings.

by Mr Hans van de Sanden