Kraków has long struggled with poor air quality and high energy consumption in its residential sector. To tackle these issues, the city government has launched a number of programmes focused on improving energy efficiency in housing while addressing air pollution.
Key Practices include providing financial incentives for homeowners to replace old coal-based heating systems with energy-efficient alternatives, such as heat pumps or district heating, as well as retrofitting older buildings with improved insulation and energy-efficient windows to reduce energy demand and improve indoor air quality. Promotion of solar panels and small-scale renewable energy sources for residential buildings is also one of the target measures.
The switch from coal to cleaner, energy-efficient heating systems reduces both carbon emissions and local air pollution and retrofitting homes makes them more resilient to extreme temperatures and reduces energy bills.
Kraków’s focus on addressing both air quality and energy efficiency offers a holistic model in particular for other mid-sized cities facing similar challenges. This initiative was awarded EU Green Capital Finalist 2023.
More information:
European Green Capital Award Good Practices – Kraków – Air protection
