Energy Efficiency in the Context of Low-stack Emissions Reduction on the Example of the City of Czestochowa

Abstract Energy efficiency is the base of the European energy policy and it is also one of the main “Europe 2020” strategy objectives. It includes a target of reducing primary energy consumption by 20% by 2020. Due to the fact that emissions related to energy account for nearly 80% of total greenhouse gas emissions, efficient use of energy can significantly contribute to achieving the goal of a low emission economy and fighting the climate changes. According to the European Environment Agency report from 2013, Poland was among the European countries with the most polluted air, with the largest share of low-stack emissions in polluted air, mostly with toxic dust. The city of Czestochowa undertakes a number of activities in the field of energy efficiency and reduction of energy use to counteract negative impacts on the environment. Implications of the actions taken contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the aim to protect the climate as well as to support the national commitments implementation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy sources in the national energy balance. The purpose of this article is to characterise the actions taken by the city of Czestochowa to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the period of 2008 -2014, and also to evaluate tangible benefits of these actions.