The insulation program does not take heritage conservation into account

Prague - The National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) is concerned that the building insulation program launched by the government on Wednesday may harm historical monuments. According to NPÚ director Naděžda Goryczková, the program's conditions do not take into account the specifics of caring for architectural heritage.
    The Green Savings program is welcomed by construction entrepreneurs, who consider it the best anti-crisis measure by the government so far. Homeowners are very interested in it. The program aims to provide subsidies to up to 250,000 households over the next four years. This year, the program is expected to offer around ten billion crowns, and up to another 15 billion crowns over the next three years.
    People can also apply for subsidies for the installation of renewable energy technologies for heat production - solar collectors, heat pumps, or boilers for all types of biomass available in the Czech Republic.
    According to the director, the heritage institute agrees that buildings should be modified to save energy. However, the supported modifications can fundamentally alter the appearance of protected buildings and ensembles, especially in the case of houses that are cultural monuments or located in heritage-protected areas, and thus are often incompatible with heritage protection, states NPÚ.
    According to preservationists, current attempts to insulate historical buildings have often harmed the structures. Owners are trying to modify the buildings using polystyrene panels or installing plastic windows in valuable architecturally-designed facades. Fundamental risks arise from the rapid and significant change in the internal climate of these buildings, according to preservationists.
    NPÚ is convinced that more suitable and appropriate methods for energy savings can be found for heritage-protected buildings. Modifications of historical structures should primarily be addressed individually, taking into account the quality and age of the individual buildings. Energy savings can be achieved not only through plastic windows but also through new wooden ones, and some alternative sources can save both energy and money.
    The proposed program may, according to the director, lead not only to a massive threat to the heritage fund but also to discrimination against owners of heritage-protected buildings. There is a risk that owners of monuments will apply for state subsidies for modifications that heritage protection authorities will have to reject due to their incompatibility with the heritage law.
    Therefore, NPÚ requests the relevant ministries to reassess the conditions of the program so that owners of cultural monuments have a chance to apply for subsidies for modifications aimed at energy savings that are not conflicting from the perspective of heritage protection.