A short film has been produced to illustrate how Bydgoszcz has revolutionized energy management. This film is an inspiring story of how modern technologies and a visionary approach can transform the daily management of urban resources, bringing tangible benefits to residents and the environment. It presents the Building Energy Management System (BEMS), an automated tool for remote control of temperature, air conditioning, ventilation, and lighting, which optimizes energy consumption. The film highlights the challenges the city faced, managing 300 buildings and generating over 41,000 paper invoices annually, amounting to approximately 120,000 pages.
The new brochure, "Energy Management in the City – Toolkit," is a comprehensive guide to intelligent energy management systems. This publication, prepared as part of the DUET project, which is part of the European Climate Initiative (EUKI). Its goal is to support sustainable urban development by presenting solutions based on information and communication technologies.
An effective energy management system streamlines office work, allowing for easy analysis of available information to identify shortcomings and implement improvements for efficient energy management. These improvements are a crucial step towards more sustainable urban development and setting the right direction in climate and energy policy.
The project DUET: Driving Urban Energy Together began in February 2023 and will formally conclude in March 2025. It was funded by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The aim of the initiative was to support local governments in professional energy management, which is a key element of the strategy leading to climate neutrality. As part of the project, the City of Bydgoszcz and The Association of Municipalities Polish Network „Energie Cités” cooperated on the development of energy management systems in Bydgoszcz – the possibilities for more effective energy monitoring and management in the city were analysed, and the data collection system, which has been in operation since 2020, was improved.
On December 4, 2024, a conference was held at the Rother’s Mills Science and Cultural Center in Bydgoszcz, where the project DUET: Driving Urban Energy Together was summarized. As partners of the project, the City of Bydgoszcz and the Association of Municipalities Polish Network “Energie Cités” collaborated on the prospects for the development of energy management systems in Bydgoszcz — the possibilities for more effective monitoring and management of energy in the city were analysed, and the data collection system, that has been in operation since 2020, was improved.
Bydgoszcz is actively implementing modern energy management systems in municipal facilities, including animal shelters. The use of renewable energy sources and adherence to the highest ecological and functional standards are crucial for improving living conditions for animals. The Animal Shelter in Bydgoszcz is an excellent example of an investment that successfully combines modernity with environmental care, creating a safe and comfortable place for homeless animals.
Read more: How can modernisation of animal shelters improve animal welfare?
Bydgoszcz is actively implementing modern energy management systems in municipal sports facilities. The use of advanced technologies and adherence to the highest ecological and functional standards are crucial for improving recreation and health conditions for residents. The Astoria sports complex is an excellent example of an investment that successfully combines modernity with functionality, creating a welcoming space for both residents and athletes.
Read more: How can modernisation of sports facilities improve the quality of life for residents?
On June 13-14, 2024, the seminar "Cities and Municipalities on the Path to Climate Neutrality" took place in Jadwisin. It was organized by the Association of Municipalities Polish Network Energie Cités, celebrating its 30th anniversary. The event was attended by nearly 70 representatives from cities and municipalities. The seminar served as a platform for discussion about local actions toward energy transition and climate neutrality, with experts from the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the National Energy Conservation Agency, and the Institute for Sustainable Development, among others.
Read more: Forum on practical energy management at a seminar in Jadwisin
In 2021, Bydgoszcz implemented the automation of electricity document management. This initiative has been awarded once again and is held as a model for other local governments.
This time, it was recognized by the "Innovative Local Government 2024" competition. The goal of the competition is to promote creative local governments and inspire others to take innovative actions. The subject of the competition are the descriptions of completed projects submitted by local governments, with the main evaluation criteria being innovation on a national scale and the results of the implemented solutions.
Read more: Bydgoszcz Energy Management System Recognized by "Innovative Local Government"
On May 8, 2024, the Bydgoszcz Energy Forum was held as part of the DUET project, involving institutions responsible for supplying and managing energy in the city. The event was organized by the Energy Management Team of the City of Bydgoszcz and PGK SA. During the meeting, the project concerning the update of the heat, electricity, and gas supply plan was discussed.
Source: https://www.pgksa.pl/04_aktualnosci/rok_2024/AKT_0842/news.php#fotogaleria