In a nutshell, the situation is as follows: the "Improving Energy Efficiency of Hospital Buildings" program, funded by the Modernization Fund and implemented by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW), has a budget of up to 1 billion PLN. Beneficiaries will be able to receive up to 85% co-financing of eligible costs for comprehensive projects that increase the energy efficiency of hospital buildings. In this article, we explain who is eligible for support, which investments qualify for the program, and how to prepare a project to increase your chances of securing funding.
Why is hospital energy efficiency becoming a priority?
Hospitals are among the most energy-intensive public buildings. They operate 24/7 and require specific air quality and temperature parameters, as well as the continuous operation of specialized medical infrastructure. This translates into high operating costs, which have risen significantly again in recent years. At the same time, many hospital buildings were constructed decades ago and still suffer from low energy efficiency. The new NFOŚiGW program is designed to help hospitals carry out upgrades that will:
- reduce energy consumption,
- lower facility operating costs,
- increase the share of renewable energy,
- improve hospital energy security,
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
- increase infrastructure resilience to the effects of climate change.
Particular emphasis is placed on projects that will reduce primary and final energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy sources. The program aims to achieve these environmental goals through, among other things:
- thermal modernization of buildings,
- implementation of renewable energy sources,
- modernization of heating systems,
- development of energy storage,
- use of intelligent energy management systems,
- implementation of investments to improve building resilience to climate change.
There is also a separate call for proposals dedicated to the ESCO/EPC model, which enables the financing of investments from future energy savings.
Beneficiary groups
Funding can be applied for by local government units and their associations acting as founding or ownership bodies for public hospitals. This applies to entities establishing independent public healthcare facilities, local government units holding at least 51% of shares or stock in medical entities providing hospital services, as well as entities establishing hospitals operating as local government budgetary units. The program is therefore primarily aimed at provincial, county, and municipal governments responsible for the operation of public healthcare facilities.
What investments are eligible for support?
List of investments eligible for support:
Thermal modernization of buildings
- insulation of external walls,
- insulation of roofs and flat roofs,
- modernization of building partitions,
- reduction of heat loss.
Replacement of joinery:
- replacement of windows,
- replacement of external doors,
- improving building airtightness.
Modernization of technical systems:
- modernization of heat sources (excluding those using fossil fuels),
- replacement of inefficient equipment,
- modernization of HVAC systems.
Renewable energy installations:
- photovoltaic systems,
- heat pumps,
- other renewable energy sources.
Energy storage:
- electrical energy storage,
- seasonal energy storage solutions.
Smart energy management:
- BMS systems,
- EMS systems,
- energy consumption monitoring and optimization.
What are the financing terms?
The maximum level of support is 85% of eligible costs, provided that:
- the project receives at least 7 points in the quality assessment (explanation below),
- the program requirements are met regarding eligible costs and the energy parameters of the investment.
At the same time, the eligible cost per 1 m² of temperature-controlled floor area cannot exceed:
- PLN 2,500/m² for standard buildings,
- PLN 3,000/m² for historic buildings.
However, there are exceptions to the above rules, which include:
- investments implemented under the ESCO/EPC model, where the grant may cover up to 49% of eligible costs,
- investments that achieve 5 or 6 points in the quality assessment – the NFOŚiGW may set an individual support level for them.
However, it is worth remembering that applications that receive fewer than 5 points will be rejected and will not be eligible for support.
The program also offers attractive repayable financing:
- fixed interest rate for 1% level,
- repayment period up to 15 years,
- grace period option for principal repayment,
- grant funding option up to 85% of eligible costs, provided that for investments implemented under the ESCO/EPC model, the loan may be increased to 100% of eligible costs.
Importantly, there is no requirement to combine the grant with a loan. The beneficiary may choose one or both forms of support. "In the event that the temperature-controlled area indicated in the ex-post audit (based on as-built documentation) differs by no more than 5% from the value of the aforementioned area calculated in the ex-ante audit, the funding calculation shall be considered correct and consistent with the calculation based on the ex-ante audit. In the event of exceeding the 5% difference referred to in the preceding sentence, the NFOŚiGW reserves the right to adjust the funding amount."– quote from the priority program guidelines.
Qualitative eligibility criteria:
- replacement or modernization of the heat source (excluding the use of fossil fuels),
- achieving a high energy standard for the building,
- no double funding,
- investment in line with the principle of equal opportunities and non-discrimination,
- properly defined eligible costs,
- the Applicant's financial situation (capacity to carry out the investment),
- compliance with the DNSH (do no significant harm) principle,
- possession of a mandatory ex-ante audit (an audit defining the scope of the investment),
- possession of a mandatory ex-post audit (an audit determining the level of initial and final energy savings),
- possession of a mandatory ornithological/chiropterological assessment,
- documented right to use the land or facilities for investment purposes (for 100% of the investment's physical scope),
- appropriate eligible cost per 1 m² of temperature-controlled floor area (does not apply to the ESCO/EPC model).
Qualitative scoring criteria:
Points will be awarded for, among other things:
- reduction in primary energy consumption,
- reduction in final energy consumption,
- use of integrated renewable energy installations,
- use of energy storage systems,
- use of seasonal energy storage systems,
- use of mechanical ventilation,
- implementation of energy management systems,
- execution of eco-friendly solutions,
- replacement or modernization of heat sources (excluding the use of fossil fuels).
This means that it is worth planning the project comprehensively as early as the documentation preparation stage, taking into account several complementary measures to improve energy efficiency.
When does the call for applications start?
The program will be implemented between 2026-2030, and the call for applications is expected to be conducted on a continuous or competitive basis. According to current assumptions, the first calls should begin in the third quarter of 2026. Agreements will be signed by the end of 2029, while the expenditure of funds will continue until the end of 2030. This is a good time to start preparing your application, conduct the necessary energy audits, and verify the scope of your planned investments.
How can VIVERNO help?
Successfully securing funding requires not only knowledge of the program rules but alsoproper conceptual, technical, and financial project preparation. VIVERNO provides comprehensive support to the client, at every stage of this process, including:
- identifying funding opportunities,
- verifying the investment scope against program documentation requirements,
- preparing mandatory audits (ex-ante,ex,post), energy analyses, and application attachments required for submission in the portal,
- developing application documentation (application, audits, attachments),
- support during the formal and substantive evaluation of the application,
- support during the signing of the agreement with the Spending Unit,
- support for the application settlement process, ensuring project implementation indicators are met.
Due to the requirement for audits and readiness to implement the project in terms of technical documentation work should begin as soon as possible. The high level of support and the program budget create a unique opportunity to carry out projectsthat were difficult or impossible to finance with own funds just a few years ago.
Source of information: https://www.gov.pl/web/nfosigw/poprawa-efektywnosci-energetycznej-budynkow-szpitalnych, operational program provisions are subject to change.
BONUS
A free webinar on the details of this funding will be held on September 17th at 11:00 AM. Those interested are invited to register LINK
