This article presents novel research on the utilization of a neural-network-based time control system for microwave oven heating of food items within a solar-powered vending machine. The research aims to explore the control of heating time for various food products, considering multiple variables. The neural network controller is calibrated through extensive experimentation, allowing it to accurately predict optimal heating times based on input parameters such as food type, weight, initial temperature, water content, and desired doneness level. The results demonstrate that the neural-network-controlled microwave oven achieves precise and desirable heating durations, mitigating the risk of overheating and ensuring superior food quality and taste. Moreover, the solar-powered vending machine showcases a commitment to sustainable energy sources, effectively reducing dependence on non-renewable energy and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. To maintain food quality and freshness, a food refrigeration unit is integrated into the vending machine, employing load-balancing technology to control the refrigeration chamber’s temperature effectively. Energy efficiency is prioritized in both the refrigeration unit and the microwave oven through intelligent algorithms and system optimization. The combination of a neural-network-controlled microwave oven, a solar-powered vending machine, and a food refrigeration unit introduces a novel and sustainable approach to food preparation and energy management.

The management of construction equipment on a construction site is particularly important for increasing productivity on construction sites. High productivity has financial implications for the economics of construction projects and leads to reduced energy consumption. Reducing energy consumption in construction machinery has an impact on reducing greenhouse gase emissions. Monitoring construction equipment and optimizing movement trajectories is a challenge on a construction site and is possible in real ti me with drone photogrammetry technology. Using this technology, we can track the construction machines and the progress of the works in real time, and later, by using AI technology, the management of equipment on construction sites can be improved in real time.

Escalators are an important piece of equipment used for vertical transportation of people in buildings. In today’s context, when the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a global challenge, the energetic efficiency of escalators in operation becomes a priority. The research aims to identify possibilities to reduce the energy consumption of this category of equipment. In this respect, we have undertaken a series of tests to establish a correlation between passenger traffic and electrical energy consumption. The tests were carried out for an existing escalator and represent the first step in developing solutions to optimize the operation of such equipment. The energetic efficiency of escalators in operation needs to be customized for each model and involves finding parameters that can be modelled to reduce electrical energy consumption.

The management of red mud (bauxite residue, RM) is critical for environmental protection due to its high alkalinity (pH 12.5–13.0). The study investigates the valorization of RM from the ALUM Tulcea unit (Romania) through accelerated wet carbonation processes (L/S ratio 4:1) and its integration into sustainable construction materials (paving stones). The results indicate a reduction the pH to a stable level of 8.6 in 240 min, a process validated by the formation of new mineral phases (calcite and dawsonite) that stabilize the residual sodium. For the optimized recipe S2 (20% RM, 12% cement, 48% fly ash), an average compressive strength of 33.8 MPa (class T5 according to SR EN 1338:2004) and a low water absorption of 4.12% (Class B) were obtained. Durability tests confirmed superior freeze–thaw resistance (mass loss 0.58 kg/m²) and sodium (Na⁺) leaching below 2.1 mg/L, well below EU limits. In the case of alkaline activated geopolymers (NaOH 8 M), the strength reached 38.5 MPa. The study demonstrates that carbonated RM can reduce the carbon footprint by 20–56% and production costs by up to 43%, providing a viable circular economy solution in line with EU 2030 targets.

The article presents the importance of building coastal living spaces using end-of-life shipping containers - used ship containers - in order to reduce metal waste in coastal areas with a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions and coastal biodiversity leading to sustainable coastal living spaces. The comparative study between building a house using classical building solutions, reinforced concrete structure and brick masonry, and building the same house using maritime containers attempts to highlight the need to use these containers as coastal living space. The article presents the comparative study between the amount of CO2 emissions generated during the construction of a living space using classical solutions (infrastructure and superstructure in reinforced concrete with masonry) with a useful surface of about 28 square meters and the amount of greenhouse gases generated by the realization of a living space using decommissioned maritime containers with an equivalent useful surface. Following the comparative analysis we found that in the case of using maritime containers we obtain negative values in terms of CO2 emissions compared to the classical construction where the CO2 emissions are much positive.

The inspection of bridges is an essential activity to maintain the viability and safe operation of these structures. The inspection process shall be carried out by visual means using special equipment called bridge inspector. The equipment is similar in design to mobile crane installations – crane lorries, with the rotating part in the form of a boom at the end of which is the work platform for personnel and tools. The structure of the arm has the shape of a lattice girder or beams with closed section (caisson); regardless of the type of construction there is at least one telescopable section. During use, the installation is positioned on the superstructure of the bridges, supporting it by means of folding or telescopic outriggers. Starting from the determination of the loads on the supports of a crane, loads necessary to ensure the stability, in the case study presented in the paper, the authors identify for bridge inspection equipment the value of the loads transmitted through the support system for different positions of the telescopic arm. These values are of interest when, due to space or omission, the outriggers of the installation are positioned on sidewalks or degraded structures and may cause loss of stability leading to technical damage (of the installation and the bridge) but also possible injuries to workers.