Saving energy in buildings with Interreg

Wondering how public buildings can save money and energy only with simple measures? Dive with us into the interview of Jaroslaw Szlachetka from Otulina Podkrakowska Association to learn how the project Easy Energy helps municipalities and SMEs do exactly that.

With the growing challenges of climate change, there is a need to rethink our daily energy consumption. This can start by adopting energy friendly habits by a individual but also institutional level, where public authorities can play a key role. However, many SMEs and public buildings lack financial resources to reshape existing buildings in line with energy efficiency need, which sometimes relegates energy efficiency to the background. This is why the Easy Energy project helps them reduce energy consumption, bringing simple and tangible solutions on how to increase energy efficiency with inexpensive measures. Jaroslaw Szlachetka from Otulina Podkrakowska Association shared insights on how Easy Energy is driving change and paving the way for more sustainable energy solutions.

Why have you decided to participate in this project?

We decided to participate in the Easy Energy project because we see a great need to support our municipalities and small businesses in the area of energy efficiency. We are aware that many of our public buildings and local businesses have not yet implemented energy-saving measures. Our municipalities, especially those that are smaller and located in rural areas, have limited financial resources, which makes it difficult for them to invest in expensive technologies. Through this project, we have an opportunity to implement simple, low-cost solutions that will improve energy efficiency, as well as to educate and prepare future energy advisors who can support our local communities in the long-term development of sustainable energy.

What is the challenge that you want to address?

Our main challenge is to improve energy efficiency in existing public buildings and to support small and medium-sized enterprises in energy savings. Specifically, this involves implementing simple solutions such as improving building insulation and reducing water and electricity consumption. Additionally, we would like to prepare our employees and consultants to work in this area, so that they can support our municipalities and businesses in implementing long-term, low-cost solutions.

Why do you need a transnational project to tackle your challenge?

A transnational project is crucial for us because cooperation with partners from different countries allows us to exchange experiences and implement best practices. By participating in the Easy Energy project, we have the opportunity to learn from other municipalities and companies in the Baltic Sea region that face similar challenges. Working together will allow us to develop solutions that are tailored to the specifics of our regions while being effective in the long term.

What will be the result of your project? Who will benefit from these results?

The project will result in the development and implementation of low-cost energy solutions. This will enable our municipalities to save on energy and water costs, which will improve their financial situation and the quality of life for their residents. Additionally, the project will prepare new energy advisors who will be able to help further develop sustainable energy solutions in the future, not only during the project but also after its completion.

What will be the most difficult part of the project? What will be the most exciting?

The biggest challenge will be ensuring adequate support and commitment from all participating municipalities and businesses, as well as overcoming resistance to implementing new, low-cost energy solutions. It will be important to convince everyone that such solutions can bring real benefits, even if they require changes in the way we operate.

The most exciting part of the project will be the opportunity to test innovative solutions in real-world conditions and observe how these changes improve energy efficiency. We also see great value in educating and creating a network of experts who will be able to support our community even after the project is completed. This gives us a sense that we are making changes that will have a long-term impact on our municipalities and their energy future.

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