Poland heating regulations shift toward zero-emission standards

New European Union building directives and local anti-smog regulations are reshaping the heating landscape for homeowners in Poland. Under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), subsidies for standalone natural gas boilers will cease in 2025. Future public buildings must meet zero-emission standards by 2028, while new private residential buildings must comply with Zero Emission Building (ZEB) standards by 2030, effectively prohibiting fossil gas installations in new constructions.

While existing, functional gas installations do not face mandatory removal, the transition favors hybrid systems, such as those combining gas with heat pumps or solar collectors, which remain eligible for funding.

Simultaneously, regulations regarding solid fuels are tightening. The use of eco-pea coal and other low-class boilers is being phased out based on regional anti-smog resolutions. While non-class boilers (kopciuchy) have largely been banned in many regions by 2024, the phase-out of 3rd and 4th class boilers is expected to continue through 2027 or 2028. 5th class boilers may remain in use longer, though their future remains subject to evolving coal combustion restrictions.