Polish building certifications elevate standards but challenges remain

The number of certified buildings in Poland has surged, driven largely by regulatory pressures. According to recent data from the Polish Green Building Association (PLGBC), there are now 2,035 certified buildings in the country—a 24% year-on-year increase, marking the most significant growth in the past four years.

“Certification today signifies not only prestige but adherence to stringent sustainable standards, raising property value for investors and promising long-term energy savings,” explained Marcin Kosieniak, an ESG expert and co-owner of PM Projekt. Certification in Poland has become standard across industrial and office sectors, though residential certifications, while growing, are still less common. Kosieniak emphasized the need for building practices that prioritize energy efficiency, water savings, air quality improvements, and minimized environmental impact.

However, challenges persist. Kosieniak noted that Poland currently lacks a standardized method for calculating carbon footprints. “This inconsistency complicates carbon accounting, which is resource-intensive, costly, and requires significant data collection,” he said.

The Polish market uses several international certification standards, including BREEAM, LEED, WELL, and HQE, each with unique focus areas and processes. Additionally, Poland has its own Green House certification for residential properties, developed by the PLGBC to support eco-friendly construction.

With the European Green Deal’s target of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050, sustainable real estate development will play a crucial role in Poland’s commitment to greener infrastructure.