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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Engineering and Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 2888

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Pawel Nowak

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Guest Editor

Civil Engineering Faculty, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-637 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: construction; management; optimization; sustainability; legal issues
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jerzy Rosłon

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Guest Editor

Civil Engineering Faculty, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-637 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: optimization; construction; education; schedules; sustainability
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Dr. Mariola Książek-Nowak

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Guest Editor

Civil Engineering Faculty, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-637 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: construction; management; multi-criteria assessment; sustainability; social psychology; sociology; education
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Dr. Aleksander Nicał

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Guest Editor

Civil Engineering Faculty, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-637 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: construction; management; risk; prefabrication; sustainability; H&S; education
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Dr. Janusz Sobieraj

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Guest Editor

Civil Engineering Faculty, Warsaw University of Technology, 00-637 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: construction; management; optimization; sustainability; H&S; education; revitalization
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to cordially invite you to publish your best research findings based on your experience and knowledge in this Special Issue of MDPI’s Sustainability titled “Sustainability and Innovation in Engineering Education and Management”. Sustainability is a broad subject including projects related to housing, infrastructure (roads, bridges, tunnels, ports, airports), factories, shopping centers, offices, warehouses, etc. Both public and private sectors participate in the execution of these projects through the collaboration of architects, engineers, companies, financial entities, etc. The construction industry is complex, establishing the base within the three major sectors in which economic activities are set. Education in those areas is of great importance. Improving the scientific and practical knowledge of students and key projects’ personnel is very important for the efficiency and sustainability of the construction industry. There is a high degree of migration of engineers and construction managers in the construction sector due to the different states of economic development in different countries. For this reason, it is extremely important that construction managers’ qualifications and skills are recognized and researched in the same way all over the world. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide valuable insights into sustainability in education across a broad range of construction-related issues, with a specific interest in didactic methods, empirical evidence and applications, simulations, as well as conceptual frameworks. We are looking for sustainable educational solutions for the construction industry related to each of the five common phases of sustainable construction projects: (1) feasibility, (2) design, (3) execution, (4) commissioning and operation, including maintenance, and (5) demolition.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following aspects of education (methods, methodologies, innovative case studies, etc.):

Sustainable building design;
Technological innovations in construction;
Green project management;
International certification systems, for example LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, U.S.), BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method, UK), HQE (Haute Qualité d'Environnement, FR), and Valideo (Belgium);
Quality management;
Optimization in construction;
H&S;
Legal issues;
Soft skills—social psychology, sociology, mentoring, and coaching in construction;
Human resource management;
Green prefabrication;
Lean manufacturing in the precast concrete industry;
BIM, digital twins, extended reality (XR), virtual reality (AR), augmented reality, mixed reality (MR), laser scanners, drones, etc.;
AI-based systems;
Lowering the carbon footprint;
Urban mining;
Construction 4.0;
Assessment methods, modeling, and simulations for sustainability in construction;
Performance measurements for sustainability in construction.

Dr. Pawel Nowak
Dr. Jerzy Rosłon
Dr. Mariola Książek-Nowak
Dr. Aleksander Nicał
Dr. Janusz Sobieraj
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainability
building design
technological innovation
green construction
project management
optimization
Industry 4.0
ICT in construction
BIM
soft skills in construction
educational aspects of sustainable construction

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Fortifications of the “Kraków Fortress” as Examples of the Long-Term Process of Revitalization of Degraded Areas in the Context of Diversified Sources of Financing

by Wojciech Drozd and Marcin Kowalik

Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6245; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146245 - 8 Jul 2025

Viewed by 294

Abstract

This article analyzes the revitalization process of the Kraków Fortress in the context of the amendment to the Revitalization Act of 29 July 2024, focusing on the legal, financial, social, and environmental effects of these changes. The aim of the work is to assess how the new regulations have affected the effectiveness of the revitalization of historic military facilities and the financial and participatory mechanisms that have enabled their effective implementation. The authors adopted an interdisciplinary approach, combining legal, urban, conservation, and social analysis, and applied the case study method of five forts: 52 “Borek”, 52a “Jugowice”, 2 “Kościuszko”, 49 “Krzesławice”, and 31 “Św. Benedict”. The selection of cases was based on different stages of implementation, financing models, and social functions. The research showed that the amendment to the Act accelerated decision-making processes and enabled more flexible management of space and better acquisition of financial resources, including from the EU and SKOZK. The use of a mixed financing model (local, European, private funds) and strong social participation contributed to the durability and acceptance of the projects. The effects of revitalization include, among others, an increase in the number of visitors (from 20,000 to 75,000 per year), the creation of approx. 120 jobs, and a reduction of energy consumption by over 30%. Revitalized facilities today perform cultural, educational, and recreational functions, supporting social integration and the development of a local identity. The article indicates that the Kraków model can be a model for other cities with military heritage. It also draws attention to the need to develop nationwide standards for the adaptation of historic buildings and recommends further research on the socio-economic durability of revitalization projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in Engineering Education and Management)

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17 pages, 3755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revitalization of Zabłocie in Kraków: Innovation Cluster as One of the Elements of District Development

by Aleksandra Radziejowska and Kazimierz Linczowski

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4651; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104651 - 19 May 2025

Viewed by 609

Abstract

Zabłocie is one of the most dynamically developing districts of Kraków. The aim of this article is to present the role of the Innovation Cluster in the revitalization of Zabłocie. The article discusses the historical background of the Zabłocie district and examines how the Innovation Cluster can influence its revitalization process. The article also analyzes the possible challenges associated with the implementation of the Innovation Cluster. Key issues include the adaptation of old industrial buildings to new functions, the need for infrastructure investment, and the risk posed by insufficient cooperation between the public and private sectors. In the context of the implementation of the Zabłocie cluster, investment management has played an important role. By integrating BIM technology with a cloud-based collaboration environment, decision-making processes were streamlined at every stage of construction. The cluster has the potential to become a catalyst for the transformation of Zabłocie. It serves as an example of sustainable development, where technological innovation, creative industries, and social responsibility align with infrastructure improvement and enhancing the quality of life in the urban environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in Engineering Education and Management)

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16 pages, 8237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Functional and Spatial Characteristics of Historical Underground Mining Workings in the Context of Selecting a New Utility Function

by Aleksandra Radziejowska and Tomasz Wieja

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3301; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083301 - 8 Apr 2025

Viewed by 333

Abstract

Underground mining workings represent a valuable cultural, industrial, and civilizational heritage, serving as a testament to the history of human labour. The protection of old historical underground sites is an element of protecting mankind’s cultural heritage, a vital component of sustainable development. Supporting and adapting underground sites involve aesthetics, environmental issues, urban development, and natural and social aspects. Many of these sites, such as the salt mines in Bochnia and Wieliczka, are designated as nature reserves or UNESCO World Heritage sites. The preservation of these spaces requires a balanced approach that integrates their original function with new forms of usage, such as tourist routes or museums. The authenticity of these objects enhances their value as unique tourist products, supporting the conservation of heritage while addressing contemporary needs. In the adaptation process of underground sites, it is crucial to consider their specific characteristics, influenced by geological conditions, and to adapt them to new functions. A detailed analysis of geological, social, political, and landscape values is necessary to ensure that the adaptation process aligns with heritage protection principles. Several successful examples of such adaptations already exist in Poland, demonstrating their potential to bridge the past with the future, creating valuable functional programs. The article undertakes an analysis of the functional and spatial characteristics of underground mining workings in the context of selecting new uses, considering both their historical value and the needs of modern users. The impact of adaptation on the integrity of these objects is evaluated, and an approach is proposed that combines cultural heritage preservation with the possibility of utilising it for a new function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in Engineering Education and Management)

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32 pages, 4762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Sustainability and Resilience in Engineering Education and Practice: Lessons Learnt from the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes

by Emel Sadikoglu, Sevilay Demirkesen, Oguz Dal, Onur Seker, Paweł Nowak and Selcuk Toprak

Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041470 - 11 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1082

Abstract

Sustainability involves continuously enhancing processes to yield long-term environmental, economic, and social benefits. The construction industry necessitates innovative and practical approaches in both education and construction practice to foster sustainable development. This study contributes to the discourse on sustainability in engineering education and construction practice by presenting the outcomes of the European-funded project “CLOEMC VI—Common Learning Outcomes for European Managers in Construction”. The main aim of this study is to investigate construction practices and civil engineering education from the perspective of sustainability considering the impact of earthquakes on the construction sector. This study incorporates insights from interviews conducted with construction professionals in the region affected by the February 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes in Turkey. The interviews examine reflections on building sustainable cities through earthquake-resilient practices. This study also conducts a questionnaire survey targeting academics in civil engineering departments in Turkey. The questionnaire survey evaluated the integration of sustainability and resilience into civil engineering curricula. The key contribution of this research lies in demonstrating how the manuals developed under the EU-funded project can be effectively integrated into engineering education and how insights from disaster-affected communities can inform a more robust framework for sustainability. This study provides valuable guidance for policymakers and researchers in developing strategies for implementing sustainability in engineering education and the construction industry, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable development practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Innovation in Engineering Education and Management)

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