Eco-development
Green building certifications overview: LEED, BREEAM, WELL and other
In the mid-1980s, media attention focused on tragedies such as the Chernobyl nuclear explosion, the Bophal disaster in India, and the Exxon Valdez spill. As economic development increasingly interfered with the environment, people began to look for ways to make building structures safer. This is how the concept of Green Building was born. What certifications can companies planning infrastructure apply for today, and why invest in green building?
What Is a Passive House? Key Principles and Benefits
Passive houses are a symbol of a sustainable approach to construction, considering both human and environmental needs. Thanks to low energy demand and high user comfort, they are gaining increasing recognition worldwide. What exactly is a passive house? What design principles must be followed? What technologies are used in this type of construction? What role does renewable energy play in these buildings? And most importantly—what benefits come from choosing a passive house?
Energy efficiency of heat pumps - what is worth knowing?
Heat pumps are, next to photovoltaics, one of the most popular technologies using renewable energy sources. By transferring thermal energy from the so-called “bottom source” - the ground, air or a body of water - it is possible to heat a building at a much lower cost than using classic CO. However, the energy efficiency of a heat pump can vary depending on a whole range of factors. What affects the efficiency of a heat pump and can this parameter be improved?
Carbon Credits – What Is Their Role in Combating Climate Change?
Mitigating and preventing climate change are goals that require decisive and large-scale action. One of the key elements of the global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is the Carbon Credit system. It serves as an incentive mechanism that promotes the use of renewable energy and reduces the negative environmental impact of businesses.
ISO 50001 Standard. How Does It Improve Energy Efficiency in a Company?
For many companies, the use of a significant amount of energy in daily operations is critical to their business. To ensure that an organization operates in an optimized and highly efficient manner, it should consider adopting one of the standardized management systems. One such system is the ISO 50001 standard. What are its principles, and why is it worth implementing?
How does the Stop Smog program work and who can receive funding?
The Stop Smog program is financial support for municipalities that engage in thermal modernization projects and their residents. It is intended for centers where the so-called “anti-smog law” is in effect. As of January 1, 2021, it is administered by the Ministry of Climate and Environment in cooperation with the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.
RE100 standard - what are the goals and principles of this global initiative?
The transformation of the global economy toward zero-carbon is an extremely complex process that can be analyzed over decades. However, more and more large companies are joining the RE100 initiative. This is an international program that promotes sourcing energy from RES. What is RE100 and who can join this prestigious group?
Power Outage – What to Do and How to Prepare?
A true blackout happens very rarely, but sometimes even a few hours of power interruption can significantly complicate life. This is especially true for businesses whose smooth operation depends on access to electricity, such as manufacturing plants, banks, or gas stations. When can we talk about a power outage and how can we prepare for it?
Biogas Plants – The Future of Renewable Energy? Benefits or Threats to the Environment?
In the search for energy independence, most people initially look to photovoltaics. Indeed, solar energy is a good example of renewable energy, but it is certainly not the only one. Biogas plants, which use organic waste to produce electricity, heat water, and, after purification, serve as fuel for CNG engines, are gaining gradual popularity. How do biogas plants work, and is investing in them worthwhile?
How to keep waste records? Practical tips and obligations
Since 2018, the Ministry of Climate – previously the Ministry of Environment – has maintained an electronic BDO register, a database on products, packaging, and waste management. If your company is involved in the production, use, or disposal of waste in any way, you are likely required to register in the BDO. What should you know about this register?
Energy-efficient building – what should it be characterized by?
The use of a building is always associated with energy consumption required to maintain thermal comfort, heat water, provide lighting, and power other devices. The higher the demand for this energy, the higher the costs of operating the building, and the greater its impact on the environment. To reduce these costs and impact, more and more investors are opting to build energy-efficient buildings. What are the requirements for an energy-efficient building?
What do you need to know about the RED III directive?
On October 18, the Directive of the European Parliament and Council (EU) 2023/2413 was adopted, amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, and Directive 98/70/EC regarding the promotion of energy from renewable sources, and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652, also known as the RED III Directive. This marks another step in the extensive plans of EU legislators aimed at achieving energy transformation in member states while respecting environmental considerations. What exactly does RED III change, and how can one prepare for it?