Małopolska laureate of the “Energy Transformation Leader” competition
On Thursday, March 16, a ceremonial award ceremony in the “Energy Transformation Leader” competition was held in Warsaw. The Małopolskie Voivodeship was awarded by the jury for the implementation of two LIFE integrated projects.
The “Energy Transformation Leader Award” is given by the European Sustainable Investment Foundation. The purpose of the competition is to promote innovative and further disseminable solutions, products, technologies and services related to climate and environmental protection. The innovativeness of the projects and their impact on accelerating Poland’s green transformation are also important in the assessment. The jury of the competition consists of: the National Center for Research and Development, the National Energy Conservation Agency and partners of the Polish Climate Congress.
The award was received by Deputy Director of the Environmental Department of the Marshal’s Office of the Małopolska Region Piotr Łyczko, who coordinates both projects.
Measures to improve air quality
The LIFE-IP Malopolska in a Healthy Atmosphere project has been implemented since 2015. The aim of the project is to effectively implement the Air Protection Program, as well as to effectively use the available EU and national funds allocated for improving air quality. The project’s flagship activity is the establishment of a network of eco-managers employed in partner municipalities to assist residents in replacing inefficient energy sources. The eco-managers organize workshops, trainings, competitions for children. Already more than 700 thousand residents of the Małopolska region have taken part in them. In addition, eco-managers perform free examinations of buildings with a thermal imaging camera (more than 8 thousand examinations). They also raise funds for thermal modernization and furnace replacement.
The final result of the project is the creation of a network of meters with interactive displays that monitor air pollution. Over 116 devices were installed in schools in the Małopolskie Voivodeship. The project also produced a number of analyzes and educational materials.
More information about the project on the website: https://powietrze.malopolska.pl/.
Together against climate change
Małopolska, as the only region in Europe, has started the implementation of the second LIFE Integrated Project: EKOMAŁOPOLSKA for Climate and Energy. The aim of the project is to implement the Regional Action Plan for Climate and Energy for the Małopolskie Voivodeship, support in the implementation of the National Plan for Energy and Climate for 2021-2030 and the new EU strategy, i.e. the European Green Deal. The project’s activities focus on promoting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and countering and adapting to climate change.
Climate and environmental advisors, employed in 21 poviats, operate close to the residents. In the past year, they organized 79 events related to climate protection and 50 local information and education campaigns, the message of which reached over 300,000 inhabitants. They raised nearly PLN 1,200,000 for their poviats, thanks to the prepared projects for co-financing from public funds.
It is also thanks to them that last year around 24,000 trees were planted as part of the 1st Małopolska Day for Climate.
More information about the project on the website: https://klimat.ekomalopolska.pl/.
