The use of energy is a precondition for global economic and civilisational development. However, the growing demand for energy is depleting traditional energy resources and, most importantly, causing environmental pollution, mainly through the emission of greenhouse gases. As energy is necessary for the functioning of all sectors of the economy, such as industry, services, transport as well as households, these sectors are the largest contributors to energy consumption. Renewable energy sources are an alternative to generating energy from conventional fossil fuels. The main objective of this paper was to determine and compare the level, trends and variation in energy consumption by different economic sectors in countries of the European Union in 2010–2019. An analysis of the share of renewable energy consumption in different economic sectors was also carried out, as well as an assessment of the relationship of these indicators with the level of economic development of the countries and environmental impacts in the form of greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption. To explore the topics under discussion, a dozen of indicators have been considered in the article. The source of empirical data collected was the European Statistical Office. The researched period covered the years 2010–2019. The empirical data was statistically analysed. The article considers changes in the values of the studied indicators, differentiation between countries and the results of correlation and regression analysis. As shown by the data from 2010–2019, the countries of the European Union vary significantly in respect of primary and final energy consumption. The highest final energy consumption occurs in the transport sector, followed by slightly lower consumption in the industrial sector and households sector and the lowest but also significant consumption in the commercial and public services sector. Since 2010, total primary and final energy consumption has decreased in the EU (27) countries. Total energy consumption and consumption by individual sectors in modern economies of the EU (27) countries are reflected on the one hand in economic development and on the other—in exacerbation of adverse climate changes. Therefore, all EU Member States, aware of their energy consumption and their own contribution to environmental pollution, should take effective and sustainable corrective action in this area as soon as possible.

The activity and initiatives undertaken by financial institutions to protect the environment are now the goal of the evolution of the entire financial market. However, it is important not to ignore the legal issues and their implications, which to a large extent now permeate many financial decisions and affect the practices and behaviours of banks. The main objective of this paper was to identify the current condition of and ongoing developments in European Union legal regulations concerning Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and sustainable finance. An important aspect of this study was also to analyse the tools, legal instruments, standards and guidelines of the European Commission and the European Banking Authority (EBA) and those proposed by the international business environment in the area of non-financial reporting ESG disclosures in the EU banking sector as exemplified by Poland. In addition, this paper analyses the status of implementation of ESG-related requirements set by the EU legal framework by banks, banking associations and associations of cooperative banks operating in Poland. To achieve the objectives of this study, and to answer the research questions posed, an analysis of primary and secondary sources was carried out in conjunction with a review of the (national and foreign) literature on the subject. Two non-reactive research methodologies were used in the design of this study: the doctrinal legal method and desk research. The results of the analysis indicate that EU regulations are at the drafting stage and those adopted so far require a number of amendments. Banker associations have voiced extensive criticism of the regulations, which are viewed by banks as inadequate, unclear and inconsistent. Both EU and Polish banker associations primarily point to a high degree of generality in the solutions and legal frameworks adopted. The legal acts enacted to date do not correspond to the needs of the market. The analysis of the positions of the banking associations also revealed that the EU legislation still has gaps preventing a harmonised approach to the comprehensive and consistent integration of ESG factors by banks in their strategy and operations.

This research project is the first and only comprehensive regional study in Poland including all teachers and headteachers of primary and secondary schools. The aim of the study was to determine the factors influencing the learning process carried out remotely and to examine the potential of this form of education for primary and secondary school students and its future use to improve the quality and accessibility of education. An important aspect of this research was also the assessment of the respondents’ capabilities and competences in the area of operating and using digital tools in the educational process. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a total of 9070 teachers took part in this study. The method of data collection was an online survey. The research instrument consisted of a survey questionnaire. The survey was conducted electronically using tools provided by Google. The following methods were used to evaluate the data: count tables, which allowed for data exploration; a graphical method—cross-sectional analysis; and individual correlation analysis, which allowed for preliminary data evaluation. The results obtained within the research process conducted allowed us to achieve our goals. According to 42.4% of the teachers surveyed, remote learning is a good alternative to traditional teaching. The study also confirmed, inter alia, the presence of a correlation between technical conditions of classes and specific forms and levels of education, with 49.7% of respondents indicating that remote learning depends mainly on the quality of technical parameters, including a good or very good Internet connection. The biggest advantages of e-learning, as indicated by the respondents, were the possibility of working from home, conveniently sharing educational materials, and utilising additional teaching aids. Health issues and long times spent in front of the computer were highlighted as the greatest drawbacks of this teaching method. The results also showed that, as the age of the teachers increases, the acceptance and trust in distance learning activities increases while the fear of using this form of student learning decreases. This study lays the foundation for designing systemic, nationwide solutions, and thus, the authors are planning to continue their research in the context of comparative analysis of different regions and to analyse this process in the context of the entire country. The analyses performed form a part of a global line of research in the field of education and in the implementation of innovative tools and forms of education provision.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of environmental awareness among young consumers and to identify the gap between their pro-environmental attitudes and actual consumption behavior. The study also explores whether perceptions of environmentally oriented products extend to broader evaluations of companies, including their overall corporate image. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a quantitative research design based on a structured questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of 172 young consumers in Croatia. The survey measures environmental awareness, attitudes towards eco-labelled products, purchasing frequency, perceived barriers and motivators of sustainable consumption, and includes open-ended questions for qualitative insights. Data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative responses are used to support interpretation. The paper is positioned within the theoretical framework of sustainable consumption and sustainable business models. Findings: The results reveal a pronounced attitude–behavior gap. Although respondents express positive attitudes towards environmental protection, eco-labelled products are mostly purchased only occasionally. Product quality and perceived health benefits are the main motivators of sustainable consumption, while higher prices, limited availability, and low trust in eco-certifications represent key barriers. Trust in environmental labels is moderate, with a large share of neutral responses. Qualitative findings indicate that environmentally responsible companies are perceived as more socially desirable, suggesting that eco-branding influences broader corporate image beyond consumption. Research limitations/implications The study is limited by convenience sampling, a single country context, and reliance on self-reported data. Future research should use larger and cross national samples, apply inferential methods, and directly examine links between environmental awareness, green branding, and employer attractiveness. Practical implications: Companies should reduce price and availability barriers, improve transparency of eco-labels, and align sustainability communication with verified practices. Eco-branding may strengthen corporate reputation among young consumers when supported by credible sustainability actions. Originality/value: The paper contributes empirical evidence on the environmental attitude behavior gap among young consumers and extends existing research by linking sustainable consumption patterns with perceptions of corporate environmental orientation.