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Green Building: Sustainable Solutions and Challenges in Europe 2024
Architect Paweł Wołejsza opened the conference by presenting the key challenges facing sustainable construction and the future directions for its development in Europe. He particularly emphasized the use of natural materials, which could play a significant role in designing more eco-friendly structures.
Katarzyna Korczak from RIC Pro-Akademia summarized the nZEB Ready project, highlighting existing challenges such as the need to raise awareness and build competencies in the construction market. "Despite numerous efforts to promote the nZEB standard, we still need to focus on educating professionals and building public awareness," the expert stressed.
The conference also showcased innovative tools supporting building thermal modernization. Bartosz Witkowski from the Mazovian Energy Agency and Przemysław Gorgol from IPOPEMA Financial Advisory presented technical and financial solutions that can facilitate the optimization of the renovation process. Currently, an application supporting the technical assessment of buildings is being tested in Mazovia, while a financial tool will be available to the public next year.
Modular technologies were another important topic of the conference. Patryk Kowalczuk and Zbigniew Talaszka from DMDmodular presented a multifamily building project in Mysłowice, built from prefabricated modules. They highlighted the ecological advantages of this approach and its alignment with the principles of the circular economy.
At the end of the conference, Ludomir Duda from 21 Stopni ADD presented a modular single-family house in Włocławek that uses a lightweight steel frame as the building's structure. Ludomir Duda emphasized the importance of not only structural and material solutions but also an energy management system, which can reduce energy demand by up to half.
The panel discussion held at the conclusion of the event highlighted differences in approaches to sustainable construction between Poland and Western Europe. Participants were mainly interested in the economic and social challenges related to implementing green technologies, especially in light of rising housing construction costs and the necessity of using sustainable building methods. There was also significant interest in tools that support building energy modernization and advisory support after project completion, which could facilitate access to green financing. Questions were raised about the scalability of green technologies and the integration of climate and technological requirements in modular construction.
All conference participants had the opportunity to exchange views and gain new information essential for implementing sustainable building methods, which will benefit the environment, economy, and society.