Introduction

In 2003 the Urban Engineering Bureau in the city of Częstochowa was established to take a lead on sustainable energy policy implementation in the region. It was supposed to promote and develop the solution for the rational energy use, especially in the public service buildings owned by the municipality of Częstochowa.

Objectives and target audience

The main objective of the project was to create a more sustainable energy management system in the region of Częstochowa. One of the key success criteria was to decrease energy, heat and water consumption in the public service buildings, owned by the municipality.
It was important to involve administrators of the buildings, as well as employees in the project. Local organisations and associations were also involved. The Urban Engineering Bureau is a support body for energy policy goals implementation, information and promotion of the sustainable energy solution.

Financial Resources and Partners involved

City of Częstochowa funds (4 new employee);

Process

Main tasks undertaken as a part of the project:-

• Setting up the monitoring system in the public service buildings;
• Coordination of the data monitoring (collecting data, reporting, etc.)
• Support of  the city Council on Sustainable Development work;
• Promotion of energy use at schools and in the public service buildings,
• Detailed assessment of the project results in the public service buildings;
• Every year the bureau is preparing detailed reports for the city of Częstochowa – summary of activates and its effects.

Results

Key results of the Urban Engineering Bureau in the period of 2003-2007:-

• Total energy consumption has decreased by c.a. 61 400 GJ (23,44%);
• Total expenses for the energy has decreased by c.a. 1 635 thousand PLN (13,81%) – Increase of the cost of the energy was taken into consideration;
• Total CO2 emission decreased by more then 7400 ton (23%);
• Total cost for water and waste water disposal decreased by c.a. 244 thousand PLN (23%)- Increase of the costs of the water/waste water disposal were taken into consideration;
• Total water usage decreased by c.a 68 200 m3 (34%);

Critical Success Factors / Challenges

Critical Success Factors:-

• Integrated economical goals and environmental goals;
• Good cooperation, understanding and support of the region authorities;
• Location of the body. Urban Engineering Bureau, as a official part of the city administration has real influence on decision makers;
• Defined goals and target groups of the project;
• Good cooperation with the media suppliers company as well as building administration;