The University of Warsaw has received funding from the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment (PL: FEnIKS) programme. The funds will be used to improve the energy efficiency and accessibility of buildings at Żwirki i Wigury 93 and Nowy Świat 69 in Warsaw.

The projects were co-financed under measure FENX.01.01 Energy efficiency, priority FENX.01 Support for the energy and environment sectors from the Cohesion Fund of the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021–2027 programme.

The projects will include activities related to the building at Żwirki i Wigury 93, which is the seat of the UW’s Faculty of Geology, and the UW building at Nowy Świat 69, which houses, among others, the library of the Faculty of Journalism, Information and Book Studies. Both buildings are under conservation protection. Investment projects within these facilities will be completed by June 2029.

“The University of Warsaw, implementing strategic pro-environmental assumptions, undertakes numerous initiatives for the climate and protection of the planet. One such activity, alongside the university’s research, teaching and social activities, is the implementation of university investments in a sustainable manner and the implementation and promotion of environmentally friendly infrastructure solutions,” says Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector.

The projects co-financed by the FEnIKS programme aim to increase the energy efficiency of buildings through their energy modernisation, as well as to improve air quality in Warsaw by reducing surface emissions. They also aim to improve the accessibility of buildings for all users. The projects will also include educational activities related to ecology and raising awareness of pro-environmental activities.

“When designing new buildings and modernising existing ones, we take steps to minimise their impact on the environment and counteract climate change. We are consistently striving to ensure the energy neutrality of the university’s infrastructure, while also making it more user-friendly and accessible to all users,” said Prof. Ewa Krogulec, the UW Vice-Rector for Development.

Żwirki i Wigury 93

The total cost of the project to convert the building at Żwirki i Wigury 93 for teaching and research purposes – improving energy efficiency – is PLN 82,083,022.13. Funding from the FEnIKS programme amounts to PLN 56,061,108.61.

The energy efficiency of the building will be improved through its energy modernisation (the area subject to heating changes is 21,297.0 m²). The project also aims to reduce surface emissions by 1,189.3 tonnes of CO₂ per year and improve air quality in Warsaw. The construction of a ramp, a driveway, and the installation of energy-efficient lifts will increase the accessibility of the building for all users.

The scope of the project includes:

• modernisation of the heating system by replacing the heat distribution unit and central heating installation,
• modernisation of the hot water preparation system,
• insulation of external walls,
• replacement of window and door frames,
• construction of a mechanical ventilation system,
• replacement of lighting with LED fixtures along with replacement of the installation, construction of a retention reservoir, and introduction of new plantings.

As a result of the project, the final energy consumption of the facility and the annual primary energy consumption of the building will be reduced, the use of renewable energy sources for electricity production will be increased through the use of a photovoltaic installation, and the costs of hot water preparation and heating will be reduced. The installation of four electric car chargers will reduce the load on the power grid. Innovative technological solutions will enable, among other things, more effective monitoring of heat and electricity consumption.

Nowy Świat 69

The total cost of the project to improve the energy efficiency of the historic building of the University of Warsaw at Nowy Świat 69 in Warsaw – the Zamoyski Palace – is PLN 53,345,410.59. Co-financing from the FEnIKS programme amounts to PLN 32,564,151.77.

The project mainly aims to increase the energy efficiency of the building through its energy modernisation (the area subject to heating changes is almost 5,500 m²), as well as to improve air quality in Warsaw by reducing surface emissions from public buildings by 286.4 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

The implementation of the project will increase the accessibility of the building for all users thanks to the installation of four energy-efficient lifts and two stair lifts.

The scope of the project includes:

• modernisation of the heat source and central heating system,
• modernisation of the heating distribution centre,
• replacement of the central heating system,
• construction of a ventilation and air conditioning system,
• replacement of the hot water system,
• insulation of external walls,
• insulation of external basement walls and basement floors,
• insulation of the attic ceiling,
• replacement of windows, replacement of internal lighting.

As a result of the project, it will be possible to achieve energy savings, reduction of expenses incurred for the purchase of electricity and fuel for the heat source, reduction of costs of hot water preparation and heating, implementation of innovative technological solutions in the field of digital building infrastructure management systems, introduction of new plantings to increase biodiversity, construction of a retention reservoir.