Lodz University of Technology has received PLN 11.5 million from the European Funds for the thermal modernization of two buildings - the Centre of Excellence in Universal Design (CDPU) and the Non-public Kindergarten at TUL.
Young people's attitudes are formed at universities. The planned establishment of a kindergarten, teaching laboratories and laboratories on the campus are very important investments not only from the point of view of their function. These investments will serve the development of scientific research and improve the quality of education, said Waldemar Buda, secretary of state at the ministry of funds and regional policy, during a meeting at Lodz University of Technology. Apart from thermomodernization, an ecological element also appeared in the justification for the funding. - Some of the facilities will be powered by photovoltaics, the energy will come from photovoltaic panels - informed the Deputy Minister.
The new Centre (CDPU) is to broaden the university's offer in the field of universal design and cooperation with other universities and experts. It is to serve as a centre developing original solutions in the field of equal opportunities and non-discrimination, including accessibility for people with disabilities. It will be located in one of the laboratory buildings on Campus A, which, after a general refurbishment, will become a place for the preparation of expertise, training and education.
11.5 million is a big boost and helps to quickly implement the investments for which this money was granted. Thank you very much - emphasised the Rector of Lodz University of Technology, Professor Krzysztof Jóźwik. - Thanks to these funds, we will improve the energy efficiency of the buildings, and ultimately lower the costs for the university. Tasks related to the improvement of building efficiency are very important for us. Lodz University of Technology is a socially responsible institution, which is reflected in our desire to establish a kindergarten for children of employees, doctoral students and students. The second important element is activities related to ensuring social accessibility, but also preparing personnel for our economy, who will be aware of human limitations and will be able to construct in such a way as to ensure such social accessibility.
Thermomodernization of buildings at Lodz University of Technology will contribute to reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. When the work is completed, the buildings will become modern and energy efficient. Another result will be clean and efficient energy from renewable sources, as well as improved quality and safety of building use, also for people with disabilities. The use of energy-efficient construction will result in savings related to lower energy and heating bills (saving on heating demand by an average of approx. 76.24% in both buildings).
In the new Centre, laboratories will be used by students for teaching and design work. The laboratories will be a friendly place supporting creative, interdisciplinary work in multifunctional spaces. The building will provide space for experiments using advanced technology, as part of scientific research and projects relating to social challenges.
Another building subsidised by the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy is the Non-public Kindergarten of the Lodz University of Technology. It will also be set up on campus A, in an existing building which, after renovation, will be adapted to the needs of young children of staff, doctoral students and students. From September the kindergarten will be available to 100 toddlers aged 2.5 and over.
Lodz University of Technology's building modernization project "Reconstruction and comprehensive energy modernization of buildings of the Technical University of Lodz for the needs of a kindergarten and a nursery for children of students and employees of the university (A14) and for the educational and scientific needs of students and scientific staff of the university (A7)" is implemented under the EU Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020 (OPI&E).