The technical conditions for buildings are a set of regulations outlining the requirements imposed on new buildings. They relate to stricter standards aimed at minimizing energy consumption in buildings, as well as ensuring functionality and safety. What regulations apply, what they involve, and what to expect from the upcoming amendment?
The technical conditions for buildings – what are they and who do they apply to?
The technical conditions for buildings, in industry literature abbreviated as WT, are a set of regulations concerning the siting and construction of buildings. They largely concern improving thermal insulation and reducing electricity consumption. These regulations aim to reduce the energy intensity of buildings. In the long run all buildings erected on EU territory are to be zero-energy, i.e., showing zero energy consumption from external sources.
The WT regulations were introduced in Poland in 2021 on the initiative of the European Parliament. They apply to all designers and investors who are building new buildings since January 2021. They must also be met by those who decide to modernize older buildings. The regulations cover all residential, commercial, office and functional buildings. They do not apply to small architectural objects, seasonal or special-purpose facilities, such as holiday cabins, garages or farm outbuildings.
Legal basis of the technical conditions for buildings
The technical conditions for buildings are anchored in the Polish legal system and form part of the implementing regulations to the Building Law. This group of regulations defines the general framework of the investment-construction process, and is supplemented by regulations issued by the minister for construction. The most important act regulating the technical conditions in detail and aligning Polish law with EU regulations, especially the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), is Regulation of the Minister of Development, Labour and Technology of 21 December 2020 amending the regulation on the technical conditions to which buildings and their siting should correspond (Journal of Laws item 2351)
The most important requirements of the technical conditions for buildings for residential and service buildings
Building regulations, aimed at aligning domestic law with EU principles, mainly concern the energy efficiency of buildings. This aims to reduce energy consumption, protect the natural environment, and improve the level of self-sufficiency of buildings. The new requirements have three basic assumptions:
Reducing primary energy demand for installations operating in the building. This concerns energy from external sources, i.e. electricity and heating fuels, however it does not include energy produced within the object;
Increasing the energy efficiency of facilities by applying appropriate technologies, construction types and building materials;
Modernization of heating boilers to more ecological and efficient ones, and in the long run moving away from fossil fuels towards Renewable Energy Sources.
Technical indicators in WT – what are they and how to understand them?
In the regulations governing WT 2021, there are technical indicators that constitute a hard criterion of whether a building meets the standards. These are measurable parameters calculated at the design stage and must be achieved after completion of construction. They mainly concern energy demand and limiting energy losses.
Primary Energy Indicator (EP)
This coefficient determines how much energy, produced from natural resources, the building uses for heating, hot water preparation, cooling, and lighting. Since 2021, maximum EP values have been reduced to 70 kWh/m2 per year. This consumption does not include energy obtained from heat pumps, photovoltaics, or recuperation if such systems are designed within the building.
Heat transfer coefficient (U)
The coefficient describes how effectively building envelopes retain heat inside. It is defined for walls and roofs, as well as exterior windows and doors. In the 2021 amendment, it was established that U must not exceed:
0,2 W/m2 for external walls;
0,9 W/m2 for windows in walls and balcony doors;
1,1 W/m2 for skylights.
How to check if a building complies with the current WT?
There are several ways to assess compliance. The easiest is to check the technical documentation and construction project already at the stage of works. In new buildings, additional calculations for EP must also be included. For older objects, consulting a structural engineer, designer or energy auditor is sufficient to perform such calculations.
If there is no access to documentation or the building is older, one can carry out construction consultations and an energy audit in the building. Using specialized equipment and conducting a local inspection, one can perform the necessary calculations and verify whether the building meets the applicable requirements.
Changes in the draft WT regulation – what may change in the coming years?
In 2025, consultations are being conducted on the project of the new WT regulation. It includes many changes concerning functionality, as well as efficiency and the energy performance of the building. The amendment to WT regulations is to apply from 20 September 2026. Changes may cover the following issues:
Introduction of a zero-emission standard for new buildings, which means that facilities will not be able to emit CO2 on-site from fossil fuels;
Reduction of the allowable EP to about 63 kWh/m2 per year for single-family buildings and 58 kWh/m2 per year for multi-family;
Equipping new buildings with solar energy generation installations;
Requirement to use automatic regulation, monitoring and control of systems such as heating, air conditioning and lighting.
Changes will also affect other areas not related to energy consumption in homes. The draft includes, among others:
Equipping all public utility buildings at least three stories high with an elevator for people with disabilities;
Introduction of limits on the use of flammable insulation materials, especially in the façades of multi-storey buildings;
Obligation to design charging points for electric vehicles and prohibition of locating energy storage in the basements of multi-storey buildings.
Most common questions about the technical conditions for buildings
The topic of technical conditions for buildings is quite complex and may leave many doubts. To clarify them, we prepared a series of frequently asked questions and answers.
What are the technical conditions for buildings and who must meet them?
Technical conditions are regulations defining minimum requirements for buildings in terms of safety, comfort and energy efficiency. They must be met by investors, designers, developers and owners of modernized buildings. Without WT compliance there is no possibility to obtain a building permit or technical acceptance of the facility.
Which WT technical indicators are the most important in WT 2021?
The most important factors in WT are the heat transfer coefficient (U), which defines the insulation of envelopes, and the primary energy demand indicator (EP). Since 2021 the threshold values have been lowered to push for energy-efficient construction, and planned changes aim to lower them even further.
How to check if a house project meets current WT?
WT compliance is assessed at the design stage, which must include the building's energy performance certificate. The designer calculates the U and EP values and then compares them with the regulatory requirements. An additional confirmation after completion is the energy performance certificate.
What changes in the WT does the new regulation plan?
The draft regulation foresees further tightening of energy requirements and the introduction of a zero-emission building standard. New buildings will have to use renewable energy sources, automation systems and energy-saving solutions. Planned changes also include fire safety enhancements and improvements to accessibility for people with disabilities.
Are there exceptions to applying WT for buildings?
Yes, there are special regulations for historic buildings where some requirements cannot be applied. In the case of reconstruction or extension, the obligation usually applies only to the part of the building that is covered by the works.
Until the WT regulation amendment comes into force, all buildings are erected in accordance with the 2021 regulations. If you need a seasonal facility for a recreational plot, check out the Drewnolandia.pl offer. As a producer of holiday cabins we ensure that our facilities meet all requirements laid down in the building regulations.