Ecological warmth in Pyskowice

"Ecological warmth in Pyskowice" was the title of the meeting that took place on October 19, 2023, at the municipal office. The meeting was divided into two parts: one for property managers and one for residents. It was a great opportunity to learn about the details of the Pyskowice heat plant's operation and the principles of connecting buildings to the municipal network. Residents also found out how to obtain funding for replacing outdated heating devices and for building thermomodernization.

Participants were informed about programs addressing air pollution. Subsidies in Pyskowice are provided, among others, under the program of the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Katowice - "Clean Air." The program's consultation and information point at the local City Hall provides detailed information on financing conditions, accepts applications, and assists in their completion.

A novelty for residents of multi-family buildings is the "Warm Apartment" program. Those interested can receive subsidies for replacing heating systems with eco-friendly sources or installing energy-efficient solutions from the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Katowice. The city of Pyskowice has secured PLN 1,862,500 for this purpose.

Education and persuasion play a significant role in improving air quality and promoting systemic heating. The benefits of connecting buildings to this type of heating and having warm domestic water were also discussed during the meeting. Their clear advantages include ecological aspects and safety. It is worth noting that water supply can be non-invasive, without demolishing the bathroom, using old chimney flues.

It is essential to emphasize that the modernization and expansion of the heating network, involving connecting additional buildings and replacing outdated systems with high-efficiency pre-insulated pipes, are largely funded externally - thanks to subsidies from the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis and the Polish Deal program.

The meeting also aimed to familiarize participants with the work and tasks of the eco-manager. This position was created thanks to funding under the LIFE program "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored." Aleksandra Ujma, an eco-manager working at the Pyskowice City Hall, supports residents participating in funding programs for replacing heat sources and building thermomodernization. She also conducts ecological education in our city.

We hope to continue such meetings with residents. If communities are interested, there is an opportunity for a representative to participate in a meeting to explain, in an accessible way, the principles of connecting a building to the municipal heating network.

Presentations shown during the meeting are available on the website www.pyskowice.pl, in the "For Residents" panel, under the "Ecology/Ecological warmth in Pyskowice" tab.

Text and photos: Aleksandra Ujma