Training in the use of thermal imaging cameras for municipal and district employees
For the past few days, training has been taking place in the Małopolska region for employees of county offices and municipalities in the use of thermal imaging cameras. The training is being carried out as part of the LIFE ECOMALOPOLSKA for Climate and Energy project .
A thermal imaging camera is a device that, by means of infrared radiation, records an image documenting the distribution of thermal energy and where the energy penetrates partitions. The device is used to record the heat emitted by an object. This makes it possible to find out the exact temperature differences between buildings and spaces, for example. In turn, this makes it possible to determine whether there are any places of uncontrolled heat escape in the building.
An examination with a thermal imaging camera can therefore detect many potential building problems, including:
- heat loss due to inadequate insulation or leaks,
- dampness in the building structure, which can lead to mould or mildew growth,
- damage to heating or cooling systems, which can lead to energy inefficiency.
Thermal imaging cameras in local authorities
As part of LIFE EKOMAŁOPOLSKA for Climate and Energy, 40 thermal imaging cameras were purchased for the poviat starosties and Małopolskie Centrum Przedsiębiorczości. Earlier, 10 sets of thermal cameras were purchased for municipalities as part of the LIFE project “Implementation of the Air Protection Programme for the Małopolska Voivodeship – Malopolska in a healthy atmosphere”. It is still possible for municipalities to borrow cameras by applying to the Department of Environment of the Marshal’s Office of the Małopolska Voivodeship. In addition, under the programme, European Funds for Małopolska 2021-2027, Action 2.5 Implementation of the Air Protection Programme, Małopolska municipalities have the opportunity to finance the purchase of further thermal imaging cameras.
Thermal imaging cameras in municipalities and district administrations are used to analyse public buildings and private buildings to diagnose possible heat losses. This, in turn, can be used to decide on building sealing and thermal modernisation with financial support from available subsidies.
Free training
In order to get to know the specifics of the cameras in detail, the Department of Environment of the Marshal’s Office of the Malopolska Region has organised a series of training sessions for all interested districts and communes. The first training sessions took place on 30-31.07.24. The next ones are scheduled for 6.08.24, 8.08.24, 9.09.24 and 14.08.24. Under the guidance of a specialist, participants can learn the principles of operation and use of a thermal imaging camera. It is also an opportunity to carry out a thermal imaging test themselves.
Take advantage of thermal imaging cameras!
Residents wishing to have their building examined free of charge with a thermal imaging camera are invited to contact an Eco-manager from their municipality or a Climate and Environmental Advisor in the district. In addition to the survey, the specialists provide direct advice on heat source replacement and thermo-modernisation. They also provide information on available forms of subsidy and help you to fill in applications.
The training is the result of the LIFE-IP EKOMALOPOLSKA project “Implementation of the Regional Climate and Energy Action Plan for the Małopolska Region”.
