• Energy Research

Light plays a key role in shaping the quality and atmosphere of interior spaces, and its importance and contradictions are amplified in the design of libraries. This study focuses on the problems associated with both insufficient natural light and excessive light. In both cases, visual discomfort is the result. The reason for these problems lies in the use of translucent structures with different parameters and properties in library architecture. This study analyzed the lighting environment in the main reading rooms of two university libraries in Warsaw. The research methods were based on a field survey of objects and an analysis of the architectural and construction parameters of the premises, as well as the physical and mechanical properties of various types of translucent materials used in the reading rooms. The results of this study shed light on the relationship between the interior space of the reading room and the geometry of transparent structures, as well as the effectiveness of daylighting in libraries in the natural conditions of Warsaw. The key point of the present study was to recognize the critical role that transparent materials and structures play in mitigating potential operational problems in library spaces. Wise selection of these elements at the design stage can help minimize problems related to thermal energy regulation, ventilation control, acoustic insulation, and increased visual comfort. The importance of this research area lies in its potential to optimize library buildings by increasing energy efficiency and reducing reliance on artificial lighting, heating, and air conditioning. Careful consideration of transparent materials at the design stage promises long-term benefits in the form of sustainable library spaces that not only meet functional requirements, but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious architectural landscape.

The purpose of the present paper is to assess groundwater contamination by ammonium originating from the waste management site (including composting plant and the landfill) located in the vicinity of protected areas. In this paper, the impact of urban and industrial facilities adjacent to the landfill is also investigated. The analysis of ammonium concentration was carried out for selected piezometers and then the monitoring and laboratory tests results were referred to the Polish standards of groundwater quality. The content of the paper discusses the changes of ammonium concentration in time and space and presents potential reasons for these changes, especially resulting from the construction of the vertical bentonite barrier. The results show the significant decrease of ammonium concentration and progressive improvement of water quality observed in almost every piezometer after a few years since the vertical barrier has been installed. Furthermore, the paper provides statistical analyses of groundwater monitoring data from the period 1998–2015 in order to control the groundwater quality and assess the movement of contamination plume in the landfill area.

Globally, solar energy has become a major contributor to the rapid adoption of renewable energy. Significant energy savings have resulted from the widespread utilization of solar energy in the industrial, residential, and commercial divisions. This review article comprises research conducted over the past 15 years (2008–2023), utilizing a comprehensive collection of 163 references. Significantly, a considerable focus is directed towards the period from 2020 to 2023, encompassing an extensive investigation into the latest developments in solar panel technology in civil engineering. The article examines the incorporation of solar panels into building designs and addresses installation-related structural considerations. In addition, the present review examines the applications of solar panels in terms of innovative infrastructure development applications of solar panels, such as photovoltaic parking lot canopies and photovoltaic noise barriers, which contribute to improved energy efficiency. It also emphasizes their role in water management systems, including water treatment plants, water pumping and irrigation systems, energy-efficient solar desalination technologies, and promoting sustainable water practices. In addition, this study examines how solar panels have been incorporated into urban planning, including smart cities and public parks, thereby transforming urban landscapes into greener alternatives. This study also examined the use of solar panels in building materials, such as façade systems and solar-powered building envelope solutions, demonstrating their versatility in the construction industry. This review explores the diverse applications of solar energy, which promotes sustainable practices in various industries. Owing to the ongoing research, solar energy holds great promise for a greener and cleaner future.

Landfill leachates are potentially harmful to the environment and to human health. The objective of this study was to characterize leachates in order to analyze whether a relationship exists between the stored waste and the composition of leachates, and to detect possible leakages of pollutants into the environment. To achieve these objectives, field data, Global Positioning System data and physico-chemical data were used. Biological tests are becoming increasingly popular in determining leachate toxicity; therefore, two toxicity tests were performed with the seeds of white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and duckweed (Lemna minor L.). Leachates were sampled from the leachate pond. Groundwater quality was monitored by using drill holes. The research and analysis carried out are important to determine their potential impact on agricultural areas located near the landfill. Demonstrably increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of heavy metals were detected only in the leachate pond which closes the landfill body, where it links up with the landfill insulation layer. Water sampled from drill holes reaching into groundwater was not contaminated. The results showed that the leachates did not leak outside the landfill. Nevertheless, they were found to be phytotoxic. Both toxicity tests showed that the increasing amount of leachates resulted in the increasing growth inhibition of the tested plants. The proper handling of leachates should have been ensured.

The pro-social dimension of contemporary housing is one of the main postulates of sustainability. The work aims to draw attention to the residential environment created as a result of participatory design and to examine how and to what extent it supports the creation of social contacts and the identification of inhabitants with their place of residence. The study included three housing projects prepared by the communities: B.R.O.T Aspern, Seestern Aspern, and LiSA. They are part of one urban block located in Aspern, part of the 22nd district of Vienna—Donaudstadt. The case studies were analysed using the same ten evaluation criteria. They were established based on previously developed theories of sociologists, psychologists and architects on the features of architecture and spaces supporting the formation of neighbourly contacts and the identification of users with their place of residence. The research showed that although the same evaluation criteria were used, each design group found an individual way to meet them in their project such as innovative design elements, unique community spaces, or user-driven features. This is proof that not only the place where architecture is created, has its conditions, and the planners and architects creating the project give it an individual, pro-social character, but also the users who create it. However, it is important to create an appropriate organizational, legal architectural and urban framework for the participation process to be successful.

A Carbon Footprint (CF) is defined as the total emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and is a specific type of Environmental Footprint that measures human impact on the environment. Carbon dioxide emissions are a major contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gases driving climate change. Wood, as a renewable and ecological material, has relatively low carbon emissions. The study aimed to review and analyze the criteria influencing the feasibility of constructing modern zero-carbon wooden buildings. The review was conducted in two phases: (i) a literature review and (ii) an assessment of existing buildings. The preliminary research led to (i) narrowing the focus to the years 2020–2024 and (ii) identifying key criteria for analysis: sustainable material sourcing, carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA), and innovative construction practices. The study’s findings indicate that all these criteria play a vital role in the design and construction of new zero-carbon wooden buildings. They highlight the significant potential of wood as a renewable material in achieving zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs), positioning it as a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials. However, the research also underscores that despite wood’s numerous potential benefits, its implementation in ZCBs faces several challenges, including social, regulatory, and financial barriers.

Landfills are elements of the waste management system, without possibility of further reclaiming, according to the requirements of a closed-loop economy, but with the possibility of transforming the area into other functions. The research combined monitoring of plant species, suggesting the composition of vegetation cover for pro-ecological management, analysis of functional and infrastructural incorporation of the landfill in the surrounding landscape, and proposals for reclamation and social application. An assessment of geotechnical safety was also made. Modernization of the landfill suggests that the pressure placed on other untouched locations should decrease. The designed space allows reintroducing socio-ecological life into this degraded area. Taking advantage of the character of the area, including variable development and significant landscape potential on the outskirts of a large city in the vicinity of protected areas, there is the possibility of creating new spatial quality following the standards of modern architecture-urban planning. One of the innovative elements of the project is the implementation of energy from renewable sources, including landfill biogas, photovoltaic panels and heat pumps. The development design includes social expectations and adaptation of new techniques to functioning in times of increased sanitary threats. The proposed design direction may be considered as a recommended trend for the sustainable development of urban areas.

Liming surface water is a fairly popular method of increasing the pH values and decreasing the concentration of phosphates and heavy metals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendations, the increase of water pH should not exceed 1.5. If surface water is the source of water supply, liming is a process that reduces water contamination. This should prevent the creation of an additional load for the water treatment plants in urban settlements. This article is an interdisciplinary research study aiming to (1) determine and compare the doses of new dispersed, thermally activated limestone and natural limestone, (2) find the relation between dose value and initial water parameters (pH, Eh and total mineralization), and (3) create an artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict changes in water pH values according to EPA recommendations. Recommended doses were obtained from experimental studies, and those of dispersed, thermally activated limestone were lower than the doses of natural limestone. Neural networks were used to predict the changes in water pH values when adding different doses of limestone with different initial water parameters using the ANN model. Four ANN models with different activation functions and loss function optimizers were tested. The best results were obtained for the network with the ReLU activation function for hidden layers of neurons and Adam’s loss function optimizer (MAPE = 14.1%; R2 = 0.847). Further comparison of the results of the loss function and the results of calculating the quality metric for the training and validation dataset has shown that the created ANN can be used to solve the set research issue.