Sustainable Infrastructure Cluster

SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE CLUSTER is the largest Polish cluster promoting and implementing sustainable and   energy-efficient construction technologies. It has been recognized as the Key National Cluster by the Ministry of Development since 2016 (certified 3 times in 2016, 2019and 2022). Cluster consists of over 140 entities, including the largest universities in Cracow i.e. AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Jagiellonian University and many R&D institutes. Cluster members include also Malopolska towns and municipalities interested in sustainable development and climate changes prevention. The supreme goal of cluster cooperation is to promote the highest energy efficiency in construction, achieved thanks to innovative construction and technological solutions developed by entrepreneurs cooperating in our Cluster. Cluster sustainable buildings are designed with a high respect for domestic raw materials and enable to implement the European Union Directives with the utmost care for a clean environment and the idea of sustainable development. As part of a Cluster joint project, in 2015 we built a complex of demonstration zero-energy buildings near Cracow (PL). Sustainable Infrastructure Cluster comprehensively provides solutions for passive and energy-saving construction, starting from the proper design, through the selection of constructional materials, thermal insulation, window and façade systems, modern installations, renewable energy sources and building automation, based on Cluster members' products. Sustainable Infrastructure Cluster offers trainings, consulting and R&D services in the field of energy efficiency, innovative construction and building management systems. In 2023 SIC was responsible for updating Regional Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation “Sustainable Energy” – the scope of task included preparing business technology roadmaps, mapping regional innovation ecosystem and organizing Smart Labs for regional stakeholders (quadruple helix)

Cluster also owns its own training centre near Cracow (eco-energy training centre in Suchoraba) devoted to renewable energy sources, focused on practical skills for technicians, installers etc.

 Cluster coordinator and legal representative is the Instytut Doradztwa (Institute of Consulting), accredited Innovation Center at Polish Ministry of Development, as well as a nationwide training and consulting center specializing in VET education of adults and young learner in sustainable technologies and renewables in construction sector. Our numerous training projects were highly assessed and granted EU funds for their innovativeness and great impact on potential and competitiveness of Polish SMEs. Instytut is an accredited training centre and has the status of non-public educational institution. At presence, Institute is engaged in educational projects aimed at developing new educational tools based on new technologies i.e. 3D models, VR (virtual reality), XR (extended reality) and AR (augmented reality) for high school students, young learners and professionals in heat pump installations.