This article aims to investigate the impact exerted by different types of covering an atrium with glazing on the energy performance of a kindergarten building, provided by the authors as a conceptual design. The considered types of atria included an open atrium, a glazed atrium, and an atrium that operated as a hybrid system. Additionally, the following aspects were taken into consideration: the effect of a glazing-integrated PV system (BIPV); the variety of thermal features represented by the inner boundary between the conditioned and the unconditioned space (U_iu); and the atrium space air-exchange ratio (n_ue) on the energy balance of the building. Energy performance indicators, including energy demands for space heating and cooling (Eu), delivered energy (Ed), and primary energy (Ep) indicators for heating and cooling mode were estimated for the moderate climates and two locations of the building model, i.e., for Warsaw (Central Poland) and Ahlbeck (Northern Germany). The research results prove that the glazed atrium exerts the most beneficial impact on the energy performance of the building. Nevertheless, certain variables must be considered, especially the air-exchange ratio of the atrium space, as they significantly influence the total annual energy performance. The results obtained with regard to the effect exerted by the presence of BIPV systems differ from those usually expected. This is due to the effect of the total solar-energy-transmittance value (g) modulation caused by the system and, finally, by a significant reduction in passive solar-gain harvesting, which is important for heating-mode results in examined climate conditions. Taking the present analysis into account, it can be concluded that the energy and environmental effects of the glazed integrated PV systems in temperate climates are strongly influenced by the environmental conditions, and, in some cases, these solutions may prove to be not efficient enough in terms of the energy and costs.

Purpose: The aim of the research is to determine the influence of photovoltaic (PV) installation and the share of façade glazing on the energy profile of nursery buildings in the Baltic Sea region, as well as defining the most favorable configuration in terms of energy efficiency.Design/methodology/approach: The article provides comparative calculations of energy performance indicators (Ep, Ed, Eu) and CO₂ emissions (mCO₂) made for the defined model of the nursery. It includes calculations concerning energy performance of the building, depending on its PV power (0–60 kWp), PV efficiency (100 and 85%) and façade glazing ratio (GR = 25%, 50% and 75%).Findings: The results of the research indicate that an increase in the PV power exerts proportional impact on the reduction of the Ep and Ed indicators, as well as on the CO₂ emissions. Only low GR values (25%) reduce the Eu indicator significantly. Decrease in high range of GR values (over 50%) does not provide proportional effects. In the variant: 60 kWp (100% efficiency) with GR = 25%, the biggest share (99.5%) of RES was obtained. This proves that the concept of energy independent nursery buildings is feasible and reasonable in the examined location.Practical implications: Designing buildings towards environmental neutrality requires laborious pre-design conceptual work before developing the right solutions. The set of results of the relationship between the variables of the building's envelope, energy performance indicators and the required involvement of active RES installations to achieve high energy performance of a building presented in the article is valuable. It allows for a preliminary decision of the direction of the design solutions selection in the design process of public utility buildings, such as nurseries. Thus, it may significantly shorten the pre-design analysis process for the location of the southern part of the Baltic Sea region.Originality/value: The novelty of the paper relies on examining the dependences between PV power and façade glazing ratio in terms of their influence on energy profile of nursery buildings.

The construction sector has a significant impact on natural resources consumption and waste generation. In accordance with circular economy principles, the adoption of secondary materials, encompassing both reused and recycled components, by construction companies is of increasing strategic importance, especially in cities and their surrounding areas. However, enterprises in this sector continue to face substantial challenges related to implementation of these materials. The article aims to investigate the opinions of representatives of companies operating in the construction sector in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland regarding the benefits and obstacles associated with the implementation of secondary materials, as well as to identify measures that could contribute to the wider use of these materials in practice. The study was conducted using a diagnostic survey method based on computer-assisted web interviews. The sample comprised 46 respondents from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland. The analysis of the collected opinions emphasized that waste reduction, protection of the environment and natural resources are perceived as the most significant benefits. Among the main obstacles to implement these materials, respondents highlighted the lack of specialized platforms for secondary materials trading, difficulties in materials sorting, including construction and demolition waste, as well as complex bureaucratic procedures. In the respondents’ opinion, the measures crucial for facilitating the use of secondary materials include the development of legislation enabling the reclassification of waste as secondary construction materials, ensuring reliable access to these materials, and providing government support. It was revealed that despite broad recognition of environmental benefits, the primary obstacle is the absence of an effective marketplace for secondary materials, pointing to a crucial role for institutional intervention. Recommendations for companies’ managers from the construction sector, designers and local policymakers were proposed.