Warsaw Green Building Standard

The Warsaw Green Building Standard (WGBS) is a significant framework developed for the Capital City of Warsaw by a team from the Warsaw Branch of the Association of Polish Architects (OW SARP). This document is part of the "LeadAir - Urban Strategies for the Future" Energy Forum project and aims to set a benchmark for sustainable construction in urban settings.

The WGBS addresses the urgent need to combat climate change, as cities contribute to approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Warsaw, the primary source of these emissions is the energy used in buildings. The city’s climate policy emphasizes enhancing energy efficiency in both new and existing structures. The WGBS promotes buildings characterized by low energy consumption, high renewable energy usage, and effective water management, aiming to influence not only public investments but also private sector practices over time.

The WGBS includes an assessment system for evaluating compliance with its standards during the construction design phase. It focuses on newly implemented urban investments and does not cover phases related to construction or building usage. To obtain a positive assessment, designers must submit documentation confirming adherence to set requirements, which span six key areas: Greenery and Plot Development, Water Management, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Mobility, Circular Economy Elements, and Health, Comfort, and Safety.

The standard mandates effective management of rainwater and snowmelt on-site, promoting nature-based solutions such as rain gardens and bio-retention basins. It encourages the use of rainwater in building installations and the implementation of greywater systems for irrigation and other purposes.

The WGBS sets forth a mandatory requirement for primary energy demand, which must be at least 10% lower than the maximum allowed for new buildings. Additionally, it encourages the use of renewable energy sources, with a target of at least 50% integration into the building's energy supply.

For sustainable mobility, the standard includes requirements for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, bicycle parking, and proximity to public transportation. Specifically, it calls for a designated charging point for every five parking spaces and mandates that non-residential buildings provide bike racks representing at least 15% of their total user capacity.

The WGBS encourages the use of materials with low carbon footprints and mandates environmental product declarations for at least ten products used in construction. It also emphasizes the importance of reusing materials and the implementation of prefabricated solutions that facilitate disassembly and reuse.

The WGBS includes provisions for mechanical ventilation with energy recovery, particularly in educational buildings. The standard addresses indoor climate control, light pollution, and acoustic requirements, ensuring that buildings not only meet environmental standards but also provide comfort and safety for occupants. In conclusion, the Warsaw Green Building Standard serves as a comprehensive guide for sustainable urban development, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovative building practices while enhancing the quality of life for residents in Warsaw and potentially influencing broader European trends in sustainable housing.