The Bolesławiec City Council approved proceeding with the preparation and implementation of the Low-Emission Economy Plan for the City of Bolesławiec. Its implementation depends on obtaining European Union funding under the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme. The Low-Emission Economy Plan is a strategic document focusing on improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The essence of the Plan is to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits from measures reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Possessing the Low-Emission Economy Plan for the City of Bolesławiec will be a necessary condition for obtaining European Union grants in 2014–2020. A low-emission economy is one of the European Union’s key programmes, which is why a significant portion of funds for local governments in 2014–2020 will be allocated to this objective. Polish municipalities, which still have enormous investment needs, often do not consider carrying out investments aimed at reducing pollutant emissions and improving energy efficiency. In addition, high energy costs place a major financial burden on municipalities, while polluted air poses a serious threat to the health of their residents. The need to act to reduce emissions is often perceived as a problem; meanwhile, a low-emission economy means cost-effective investments for the municipality that improve the quality of life of every resident—cleaner air, savings on energy costs and energy security.
At the initiative of the Ministry of Regional Development and under the authorisation of the Ministry of Economy, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management announced a competition on 2 August 2013 for municipalities preparing low-emission economy plans. The possible grant from the Cohesion Fund amounts to 85% of eligible costs. The competition is organised under Priority Axis IX of the Infrastructure and Environment Operational Programme, Measure 9.3. The order in which applications are submitted is significant.
(commissioned information)