Gdynia Kindergarten leads the way in smart, fossil-free public buildings through BuildON
The city of Gdynia is taking bold steps toward greener public infrastructure through its participation in the EU-funded BuildON project. Led locally by pilot leader and Specialist in the Energy Department of the City of Gdynia, Bożena Zuławska, the Polish pilot site is demonstrating how digital innovation and renewable energy technologies can transform everyday buildings—starting with a municipal kindergarten.
The Gdynia pilot focuses on upgrading the kindergarten with a suite of advanced energy-efficiency and monitoring tools. As Bożena explains, the team is installing a smart heating management system that enables better control of indoor temperatures and helps reduce energy waste. To support the transition away from fossil fuels, the kindergarten has already deployed two key renewable technologies:
- A heat pump for heating domestic hot water
- A photovoltaic (PV) system to generate clean electricity on site
These upgrades form the foundation for BuildON's wider digital layer, which includes monitoring tools, automated controls, and digital-twin technology—all designed to optimise comfort, safety, and energy performance.
Given the sensitive environment, safety and reliability were top priorities throughout installation. Bozena explains: "We use monitoring, automatic safety features, and clear operating procedures so that the installations are completely safe—including in areas where young children are present. We also make sure users are properly trained and aware of how to use the systems."
Some components, such as sensors and thermostats, were installed during the day—giving children a chance to learn about energy meters and how the system works. More complex electrical work, however, was completed over the weekend to avoid disrupting the building and ensure full safety.
The Gdynia pilot goes beyond technology by involving those who use the building every day. Kindergarten staff, children, and parents are active participants in promoting energy-saving behaviour. Activities combine education with play, including: games and theatre scenes, songs and rhymes about saving electricity and water, and demonstrations of simple energy-saving actions. According to Bozena: "Small gestures—like switching off lights, closing doors, or turning off equipment—are things children observe and imitate. Through these actions, they learn from an early age how to care for the environment."
As an employee of Gdynia City Hall, Zuławska highlights the significance of BuildON for public-building management: "We manage a lot of public buildings, and we can implement BuildON solutions not only in one kindergarten. We can do it in all kindergartens and all schools. It's a very big possibility."
The pilot showcases how digital solutions—such as control systems, digital twins, and energy-monitoring tools—can help public buildings reduce emissions, increase comfort, and operate more efficiently. The approach is not only suitable for kindergartens but easily adaptable to other schools and municipal facilities.
Contacts
Project Coordinator:
Sofia Mulero Palencia
CARTIF
Communication Secretariat:
ICONS
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