Economic and Ecological Benefits of Thermal Modernization of Buildings Related to Financing from Aid Programs in Poland

Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a highly desirable investment in the context of implementing the sustainable development paradigm, as it reduces the building’s energy demand. Consequently, the economic costs of heating the building are diminished. Reducing the building’s negative environmental impact is also crucial. This article presents programs that subsidize thermal modernization investments for single-family buildings in Poland. Particular attention was paid to the Clean Air program. A methodology for the economic and ecological assessment of thermal modernization investments eligible for funding under this program was proposed. The methodology is based on the Net Present Value indicator, whereas the ecological analysis utilized the Life Cycle Assessment method. A case study was conducted for a model single-family building using the introduced methodology. The scope of the thermal modernization investment included replacing windows and doors, replacing the heat source, and thermal insulation of the vertical external walls. The analyzed thermal modernization investment brings substantial ecological benefits, significantly reducing the building’s negative environmental impact. Unfortunately, the economic viability for the investor is not so obvious and depends primarily on the level of subsidy.