Distributed energy systems are increasingly important for strengthening critical infrastructure resilience under conditions of technological, climatic, geopolitical, and cyber disruption. However, existing research on energy resilience is still dominated by technical approaches focused on reliability, renewable energy integration, microgrid control, and storage optimisation, while the role of distributed energy systems in the full crisis-management cycle remains insufficiently conceptualised. This article addresses this gap by combining a scoping review, lexicographic and semantic analysis using IRaMuTeQ version 0.7 alpha 2, and a conceptual-methodological framework for assessing distributed energy systems as instruments of crisis management. The main contribution of the study is the M_ZK-DES model, which integrates technological-infrastructural, decision-operational, legal-institutional, and socio-organisational dimensions with four crisis-management phases: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. The model distinguishes distributed energy systems, distributed energy resources, distributed generation, microgrids, prosumers, energy communities, and energy clusters and links them to measurable resilience indicators. These include SAIDI, SAIFI, energy not supplied, restoration time, share of critical load served, islanding capability, voltage and frequency stability, storage autonomy, procedural readiness, and local coordination capacity. The analysis shows that distributed energy systems may reduce vulnerability to cascading failures, support islanded operation, protect vulnerable consumers, improve emergency power continuity, and strengthen local energy autonomy. The proposed scoring and weighting logic enables future empirical validation, scenario testing, and comparative assessment across regions and crisis types, including extreme weather events, cyberattacks, and supply-chain disruptions. The article contributes to energy resilience and crisis-management studies by offering an integrated and operational framework for evaluating distributed energy systems as practical tools for critical infrastructure protection and continuity of essential public services.

The topic of the article is the carbon footprint of coal as a primary source of energy. In light of climate change and the energy transition in the European Union, it is increasingly important to analyse the carbon footprint of individual economic sectors. The aim of this review article is to present an analysis of the carbon footprint of the hard coal sector in Poland against the background of the EU’s climate neutrality policy. The paper reviews EU strategic documents, such as the European Green Deal, the ”Fit for 55” package, and the REPowerEU and Clean Industrial Deal initiatives, in terms of their impact on the functioning of the coal sector. It also presents a methodology for calculating the carbon footprint in terms of life cycle assessment (LCA), taking into account different scopes of greenhouse gas emissions according to the GHG Protocol. The article uses databases from the Instrat Foundation, Eurelectric – the Association of the Power Industry, the Polish Geological Institute, the Energy Market Agency, Ember – Electricity Data Explorer and the National Centre for Emissions Management. Using the latest available data from 2018 to 2024, the paper analyses changes in Poland’s and the EU’s energy mix and highlights the importance of the coal sector’s transition in the context of decarbonisation. The challenges associated with mine closures, the social transformation of mining regions and the future of energy security were also discussed. The article provides a starting point for further detailed comparative analyses of the carbon footprint of various energy sources in Poland and the European Union.

The aim of the article is to analyse the theoretical, technical, and economic potential of agrophotovoltaic (APV) installations in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship (Poland) based on climatic data, agricultural land resources, and technological simulations. The specific aim of the study was to determine the theoretical, geographical, technical and economic potential of APV installations in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship based on climate data, land-use structure and technological simulation results. The study shows that the annual energy production of the designed APV installation may reach 454–560 [MWh/ha], which, when using less than 1% of agricultural land, could fully meet the total electricity demand of farms in the analysed region. This indicates a high potential for integrating agriculture and energy production within the same area. The main limitation for the development of solar energy is the insufficient capacity of the existing power grid, which is not adapted to new renewable energy sources. The economic analysis confirms the profitability of APV investments in the context of rising energy prices and highlights their potential role in producing green hydrogen and supporting renewable energy development in Poland. The conclusions emphasise the need to modernise the energy infrastructure and introduce legislative changes to unlock the APV potential in Poland.

The study presents the results of classifying European Union countries in terms of the degree of achievement of sustainable development objectives in selected areas. A spatial–temporal comparative analysis of EU countries was made in terms of selected assumptions of the concept of sustainable development. It was hypothetically indicated that the EU countries can be divided into three classes in terms of effects related to renewable energy production and smog. Indeed, it was also found that the factor of the percentage share of energy production from renewable sources in primary energy production differentiates EU countries well. It was also pointed out that the factors in the form of air pollution levels of PM2.5 and PM10 dusts differentiate EU countries well, and the time factor has an impact on the grouping of EU countries in terms of the assessment of the quality of the level of implementation of environmental measures. The results obtained using the method of cluster analysis on the population of EU countries using data on energy production from renewable sources and the level of air pollution by PM2.5 and PM10 were the basis for solving the research problem. A research methodology based on cluster analysis was recommended as a practical tool for measuring and assessing the quality level of implemented activities within the concept of sustainable development in selected areas.

Since the early years of the 21st century, there has been a clear critique of the diotic way of farming in the international scientific arena, emphasizing that the existing models of economic development are exacerbating social inequalities and overexploiting natural resources. At the same time, the literature promotes the implementation of a new way of farming that takes into account environmental, social, and economic concerns. We have brought together new methods and ways of farming in these areas into one broad concept, called the conclusion of sustainable development. Within this concept, particular emphasis has been placed on sustainable energy development, the intensive development of technologies based on renewable energy sources, and the advancement of end-user awareness of modern technologies. The aim of this paper was to identify the factors that determine the ecological attitude of users of single-family houses in Poland when making strategic energy decisions related to the choice of heating devices in a household. To solve this research problem, the authors conducted a nationwide survey on a representative sample of single-family house users. In turn, the results were analyzed using log-linear analysis. The results showed that the determinants of the ecological nature of such energy decisions are primarily the age of the house users and their level of education. It was found that younger people are significantly more likely to think about ecology when making decisions related to how a building is heated than older people. In addition, people with a higher level of education are more likely to think about ecology when making such decisions than those with a lower level of education. Findings showed that the gender of the occupant of a single-family house, as well as the size of the town in which the building is located, have no significant impact on the ecological nature of decisions related to the choice of the method of obtaining energy for home heating. It was also shown that territorial variation, i.e., the region of the country, had no effect on this issue. The identification of socio-demographic determinants of the ecological nature of decisions related to the choice of heating devices in single-family houses in Poland fills the research gap and thus contributes to the literature in this area.

Aim/purpose – This paper examines the entrepreneurial intention of native and international students, focusing on the willingness to start a business and attitudes to risk. There is limited research comparing these groups in this regard. In Poland, a new immigration country and a new destination for international students, knowledge on this subject is lacking.

Urban forests are essential recreational spaces that enhance cultural heritage, foster social integration, and provide economic benefits through local tourism. Their significance for recreation has grown due to increased leisure time, better access to information, and heightened concerns about mental and physical well-being. This study seeks to evaluate social preferences for funding recreational activities in urban forests in Warsaw and Lisbon, focusing on their appearance and societal significance. Utilizing the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the research assessed individuals’ willingness to pay (WTP) for recreational access. Advanced techniques such as logistic regression and discriminant analysis were employed to identify the factors influencing WTP in Poland and Portugal. In Poland, WTP is primarily affected by preferences related to the appearance of forests, particularly the distinction between natural forests and those equipped with more infrastructure. In contrast, in Portugal, WTP tends to decrease with a greater appreciation for natural forests and a belief in the necessity of investing in urban forestry. The findings indicate that various social factors, such as the appearance of forests and perceived maintenance requirements, influence people’s willingness to fund urban forests. However, conducting research with only younger respondents limits the ability to generalize these findings to older populations.

Inconsistent findings and limited research from various countries highlight the need for further investigation of the relationship between Satisfaction with Green Space Attributes (SGSA) and Perceived Stress (PS) levels, which is crucial for informing urban planning strategists to improve residents' mental health using green areas. Presented study explored these relationships and differences in greenery usage and preferences in connection with self-perceived stress levels in the study area of post-socialist cities and other settlements units in Poland-the country belonging to the former block of Socialist Countries of People's Democracy (specific type of urbanism and influence on mentality of residents). Data collected in 2022 via Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) covered demographics, green space utilization, SGSA, and PS levels using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Statistical analyses, including Kruskal-Wallis rank ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U-test and multiple regression, revealed that lower PS levels were correlated with higher SGSA across various greenery elements. Individuals with low stress levels spent more time in green spaces for leisure activities, mainly walking. However, satisfaction with greenery decreased with increasing stress levels, especially regarding the decrease of cleanliness, aesthetics and greenery amount. Multiple regression identified significant predictors of stress levels, such as health, greenery aesthetics satisfaction, income, and green area accessibility for children. The study underscores the importance of well-designed, diversified green infrastructure to enhance residents' mental well-being. Accessible, well-maintained green spaces creating a network within urban environments are crucial for stress reduction. It is a guideline for policymakers and urban planners to create continuous green infrastructure consisting of various size and character green areas/elements and this green network should be as dense as possible, occupying every possible place.

With the increasing penetration of renewables, the importance of electrical energy storage (EES) for power supply stabilization is growing. The intermittency of renewable energy sources remains the main issue limiting their rapid integration; however, the development of high-capacity batteries capable of storing large quantities of energy offers a way to address this challenge. This article presents and describes dedicated algorithms for controlling the EES system to enable the provision of individual system services. Five services are planned for implementation: RES power stabilization; voltage regulation using active and reactive power; reactive power compensation; power stabilization of unstable loads; and power reduction on demand. The aim of this paper is to develop new, dedicated energy storage control algorithms for delivering these specific services. Additionally, the voltage regulation algorithm includes two operating modes: short-term regulation (voltage fluctuation stabilization) and long-term regulation (triggered by an operator signal).

The growing demand for stable energy sources related to today's armed conflicts and increasingly frequent natural disasters related to the ongoing climate change has increased interest in alternative sources of electricity. This research aimed to compare different concentrations/types of ethanol in the process of converting chemical energy into electric current using fuel cells. It was found that fuel cells can be used as an emergency energy source. The highest efficiency was obtained with the use of low concentrations of alcohol, between 5 and 10 %. The highest cell power was obtained using denatured alcohol (168.9 mW).

The aim of this article is to develop models that can measure probabilistic budget volatility risk in a manner that is not dependent on the type of cost or financing unit. Budgets are essential tools in facilitating the management process of any organization, while budget control helps optimize resource allocation and enhance operational efficiency. Using the methodology of budget deviation analysis can significantly improve the management of organizational units. However, the authors identify a research gap in terms of both methodology and application when it comes to analyzing the risk of budget variances. To address this, the authors develop models based on the theory of extreme values. The models can determine the deviation level for a specific probability level and estimate the limit level of deviation for assumed probabilities. These models can be used to holistically evaluate the level of budget implementation in the enterprise, compare the quality of budget implementation overtime and across units, and identify materiality limits of budget variances. To validate the models, empirical data from the budget control system of a major European city university was used. Empirical distributions obtained from the data were used to determine budget variances that indicate the level of deviation for a given probability level.

Synanthropic flora (weeds, i.e., spontaneously developed plants) are plants that accompany humans, appearing as a result of anthropopressure as well as after its cessation. The potential of synanthropic flora in shaping green areas usually brings many measurable benefits that depend on land management in cities. This study aimed to determine the preferences and attitudes of adults towards synanthropic flora in settlement units. This article presents survey results from 447 city residents. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using the k-means clustering method to identify segments of respondents with similar attitudes and preferences toward synanthropic flora. Mann–Whitney U tests were employed to determine statistical differences in the demographic variables among the analyzed clusters of respondents. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the opinions and attitudes towards synanthropic flora that may influence their greater acceptance in the vicinity of residential areas. The results obtained in the multiple regression analysis indicate that the respondent’s evaluation of the level of support for the introduction of more synanthropic vegetation into urban greenery (Yw) grows with the increase in the acceptance of synanthropic plants’ occurrence in the surroundings. Residents’ acceptance of synanthropic flora in green areas is at a relatively high level.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate the consumption of thermal energy in a coal mining enterprise with separate business units, in the context of securing energy reserves and effectively managing the consumption of this energy. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the aggregation and analysis of historical data of thermal energy consumption, the method of statistical analysis of aggregated data from individual business units of the coal mining company was applied. Findings: The applied statistical analysis of the aggregate data made it possible to verify the planned short- and long-term activities for each group of facilities of the coal mining company. Research limitations/implications: The further direction of the research requires verification of the obtained results of the statistical analysis, after completing the data of thermal energy consumption in the following years and correlating the obtained results with the introduced pro- efficiency measures in the enterprise so as to clarify the division of the enterprise's facilities into individual groups. Practical implications: Statistical analysis of thermal energy consumption, can become an effective tool to support the process of managing pro-efficiency measures in mining enterprises with separate business units. Social implications: The right approach of coal mining companies to thermal energy analysis and management can contribute to securing energy reserves for the local environment in which the company operates. Originality/value: The presented classification of facilities into groups A, B and C and the use of statistical analysis to verify the introduced measures to reduce thermal energy consumption have not yet been introduced and tested in the Polish coal mining industry. Keywords: energy efficiency, statistical analysis, energy consumption, enterprise. Category of the paper: research paper, case study.

Spending time in the natural outdoor environment is a part of a healthy lifestyle. This study focused on identifying elements of green infrastructure that have a positive impact on both increasing physical activity, spending time outdoors and improving overall health. The aim of the research was to identify which elements of the settlement units’ green and blue infrastructure, related to residents’ preferences for greenery, influence more physical activity and spending time in green spaces and improve the healthy feeling of users as perceived by respondents. A total of 721 respondents from Poland took part in the survey. Using multiple regression models, the factors that influence an increase in outdoor physical activity Green Physical Activity Index (GPAI) were: using green spaces for exercise, spending time outdoors, exposure to nature and sufficiently large amounts of green space in the neighborhood and proximity to places to walk the dog. In contrast, physical activity has been shown to improve feeling healthy (health declaration). The main findings show that the increase in physical activity outdoors (GPAI) is positively influenced by factors related to respondents’ reasons for being outdoors, rather than the attractiveness and availability of green infrastructure. The research confirmed the necessity of arranging green areas with rich offerings in terms of a variety of activities for leisure visitors, to give them more opportunities for being outdoors.

This article attempts to identify and analyze the factors influencing the shaping of regional energy policy in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, with particular emphasis on the potential for the development of renewable energy based on biomass. The aim of the publication is to determine the potential for the development of biomass resources, taking into account the criteria of sustainable development, i.e. economic, ecological and social aspects. So far, few researchers have dealt with this subject in a comprehensive way, and so far there has been a lack of detailed research on the potential of biomass in the West Pomeranian Region. The presented analyses are an important contribution to the development of knowledge about alternative energy sources in the energy sector. The research material used in the article comes from various sources, both domestic and foreign, including empirical data from scientific institutes of energy and fuels and regional institutions dealing with energy.

The constantly growing demand for energy, the need to ensure the security of its supply, and the progressing climate changes related to the emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants have caused, in recent years, an increase in interest in offshore wind energy. This paper presents all the work that needs to be done to build a wind farm in the Baltic Sea. The work focuses on the description of the equipment and the necessary tests to perform in order to analyze the obtained data. The data will allow for unambiguous interpretation and the selection of a convenient location for the construction of a wind farm. The final product of the work is a cost estimate, in which the costs of undertaking such an undertaking are shown.

The purpose of this study is to outline the current problems with the company's documentation workflow process and propose a plan to implement a new automated system to eliminate waste and improve the company's cash flow. Every enterprise is required to accurately record business operations. Accounting is the foundation of an organization, serving not only to meet legal requirements, but also to support management processes. In the case of large enterprises, complex accounting carries the risk of problems with timely and correct accounting, which can lead to delays in payments, reminders, collection procedures and interruptions in deliveries. As a result, it becomes crucial to put processes in place to safeguard liquidity. The study includes an analysis of the company's current documentation workflow process and identification of problems associated with it. A plan is then proposed to implement a new automated system to eliminate waste. The methodology is based on an analysis of the company's internal data and available technological solutions. The main results of the study include the identification of existing problems in the documentation workflow process and a plan for implementing a new system. The findings indicate that improving process efficiency can help increase the company's cash flow. The study introduces a new perspective on records management in enterprises, especially in the context of eliminating waste and improving liquidity. The theoretical value of the work lies in identifying opportunities for effective records management in the context of supporting business processes. The introduction of an automated documentation workflow system can bring practical benefits, such as reducing payment delays, avoiding debt collection procedures and improving the overall efficiency of business operations.

Purpose: This paper aims to assess the sustainability of energy generation systems in various European Union countries. It seeks to understand the diverse challenges and opportunities these countries face in transitioning to sustainable energy. Methodology: The study employs a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach, considering economic, environmental, and social aspects. Data from various databases, including Eurostat, the International Energy Agency, and the World Bank, were analyzed. Results: The results reveal significant variations in sustainability performance across different countries and regions. With strong policy support and high public awareness, Scandinavian countries generally performed well across all sustainability indicators. In contrast, Eastern European countries faced more challenges due to their heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Theoretical Contribution: This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable energy by providing a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of energy generation systems. It underscores the complex and multifaceted nature of sustainability and the various factors that influence it. Practical Implications: The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and energy providers. They highlight the importance of policy support, public awareness, and acceptance in promoting sustainable energy. They also underscore the need for continued efforts and interventions to address the challenges faced by countries heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

In recent years, the interest in electromobility among the public has been growing. In order to determine the impact of the development of electromobility on the increase in innovation of the supply network, it is necessary to analyze the situation of the potential use of electric vehicles in the supply network, presenting their advantages and disadvantages. The article presents the characteristics of electromobility in the supply network in the region and the SWOT analysis. Electromobility is becoming a key element in the transformation of the transport sector, contributing to more sustainable and green communities.

Budgets in organisational units are considered to be traditional management support tools. On the other hand, budgetary control is the essence of control measures, allowing for the increase in the efficiency of an enterprise through appropriate allocation of resources. The methodology used in the analysis of budget variances (obtained as a result of applying budgetary control) undoubtedly influences the management efficiency of almost every organizational unit. The authors indicate a research gap of methodological and application nature in the area of risk measurement in the analysis of budget variances. Therefore, the aim of the article is to create universal and flexible models enabling probabilistic quantification of the risk of budget variance regardless of the nature of the cost, the person budgeting and the budgeting unit. Extreme value theory was used to develop the model. The results of the work are models allowing for the estimation of the limit level of deviation for assumed probabilities and models determining the level of deviation for a given probability level. The application of these models in budgetary control will allow for a synthetic assessment of the degree of budget execution in the company, comparing the quality of budget execution over time as well as between units, defining the limits of materiality of budget variances. For the purpose of model verification, the authors have used budget variances of cost energy consumption, which have been determined on the basis of empirical distributions obtained from data coming from the system of budgetary control implemented at a university located in a larger European city.