Use Of Energy-efficient Technologies Research Articles

Foreign experience in designing energy-efficient hostel buildings

The article discusses the reasons for changing the vector of development of the hotel industry to environmental friendliness and sustainability, reducing energy consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and introducing energy-efficient technologies. Examples of foreign experience in implementing energy-efficient strategies in hostels are provided. Environmental friendliness has become a driving force in the hotel industry, with leading hotel chains trying to meet the demands of consumers who are increasingly paying attention to the climate and are concerned about their environmental impact. According to most definitions, the term "hotel industry" includes not only hotels but also motels, guest houses and hostels. When designing hostels, energy conservation and energy efficiency will save energy resources. Thanks to technology and energy-efficient materials, architectural, planning, and space solutions are being improved. The location and orientation also have an impact on energy saving. The author concludes that in the era of heightened climate awareness, the problem of negative environmental impact is relevant. Tourism alone accounts for a certain percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, which is mostly attributable to the hotel industry. It is necessary to take measures and create conditions to reduce and eventually eliminate the harmful impact on the climate. We see that Western countries are aware of the problem and possible negative consequences, and therefore government institutions are involved in solving this problem by creating relevant regulations, businesses implementing environmental programs, and ordinary hotel visitors who are beginning to prefer more environmentally friendly travel options. However, this influence must be spread to other countries, and this is why information campaigns should be used. Communities, including the scientific community, should pay attention not only to continuing the greening of facilities through the use of energy-efficient technologies, which is a necessary step, but also to finding new options for energy saving and creating new energy-efficient strategies.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ МЕТОДЫ ПОДДЕРЖАНИЯ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ

This article highlights the relevance of the study of modern economic factors contributing to the sustainable development of the organization. The work focuses on the analysis of key factors such as improving the efficiency of resource management through the use of energy-efficient technologies, improving the image and reputation of the organization through CSR, compliance with regulatory requirements through the introduction of an environmental management system, access to new markets through the development of innovations, reducing risks through risk management. It also considers such factors as strategic planning, attracting and retaining talent through the development of personnel and corporate culture and increasing investment attractiveness through partnerships with environmentally responsible investors. The paper emphasizes that despite the significant advantages of each of the methods, there are certain disadvantages, such as the high cost of implementation, the need for significant investments in social projects and staff training, as well as the risks of loss of investment in innovation. The paper also examines some mathematical methods and tools used to maintain the sustainable development of an organization, namely: linear programming, life cycle analysis, network analysis, machine learning methods, statistical analysis and risk modeling, decision support systems, modeling and forecasting of personnel needs.

Efficiency of Low-Carbon Technologies Implementation at Non-Ferrous Metallurgy Enterprises under the Conditions of Carbon-Regulation Development in Russia

Carbon markets are highly relevant to the need to regulate man-made greenhouse gas emissions. As the world faces the dangerous effects of global warming, reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become a critical priority for governments, corporations and individuals around the world. Carbon markets offer a way to incentivize and encourage emissions reductions and facilitate a smooth transition to a low-carbon economy. Low-carbon development is possible by building transparent and understandable organizational and economic conditions for the operation of carbon regulation. This article considers the feasibility of introducing energy-efficient technologies at Polymetal International PLC enterprises located in Khabarovsk region, engaged in the mining and processing of non-ferrous and precious metals (gold, silver and copper) in light of the country’s growing attention to the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions. The objective of this study is to model the organizational and economic conditions of the carbon market and estimate the economic and climate outcomes from the implementation of energy-efficient technologies at Polymetal International PLC. This study analyzes the current energy-consumption structure of non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises in Russia and identifies potential areas for the use of energy-efficient technologies. An important aspect is the assessment of government policies and incentives that could facilitate the introduction of low-carbon technologies. It is important to assess the impact of prospective carbon-management plans in Russia on the economic performance of steel companies. The results of this study suggest that the introduction of low-carbon technologies has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from non-ferrous metal companies in Russia. However, the successful implementation of these technologies will require significant investment, stakeholder cooperation and political support from the Russian government.

PROBLEMS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN UKRAINE AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN EU COUNTRIES

The article is devoted to the issue of energy efficiency in Ukraine and the international experience of implementing energy efficiency in the countries of the European Union. In the context of growing problems related to the reduction of energy consumption and the use of renewable energy sources, attention to energy efficiency issues is becoming more and more relevant. The issue of energy efficiency in Ukraine is considered, attention is focused on insufficient awareness and education of the population, insufficient funding and limited access to resources, and the international experience of implementing energy efficiency in EU countries is considered as a potential solution for solving energy efficiency problems in Ukraine. The article will analyze EU legislation and programs aimed at stimulating energy efficiency, as well as highlight successful practices and initiatives that contribute to energy-efficient development. Special attention is paid to ways of implementing energy efficiency in EU countries, in particular, the use of energy-efficient technologies in construction and reconstruction, stimulation of the use of renewable energy sources, implementation of energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, as well as financing mechanisms for energy efficiency projects. The current state of energy efficiency in Ukraine is analyzed, including the main challenges and obstacles the country faces. Special attention is paid to the legislative and regulatory framework governing energy efficiency in Ukraine, as well as existing programs and initiatives. Attention is focused on the international experience of implementing energy efficiency in the EU countries.

Behavioral and socio-economic determinants of urban households’ investment in energy efficient technologies: evidence from Ethiopia

Wide uses of energy-efficient technologies have the potential to save a significant amount of electricity, which may allow deferral of construction of new power plants. However, in low-income countries, there is low use of energy-efficient technologies. This paper studies the behavioral and socio-economic determinants of urban households’ investment in energy efficiency improvements in Ethiopia. It considers multiple technologies and uses a multivariate probit model to take into account the sequential or simultaneous adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Using a random sample of 1,400 urban households from nine regions in Ethiopia, the study finds that most households (86%) adopt energy-efficient technologies and other energy conservation activities mainly to reduce energy expenditure. Interestingly, at least 12% of the respondents adopt these activities out of concern for the environment and future generations, which is encouraging. The multivariate probit regression result shows that households’ educational status, income or occupational status, access to credit, and age are significant determinants of households’ investment in energy-efficient technologies. The results illustrate there is a need for policies that incentivize or promote firms to sell energy-efficient products, for example, using installment (credit) and also a policy on the language of product specifications–using local language.

Renewable energy, forest cover, export diversification, and ecological footprint: a machine learning application in moderating eco-innovations on agriculture in the BRICS-T economies.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) recommended that the member nations enhance their technological progression and structural transformation to mitigate the problems of climate change. The BRICS-T countries consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Turkey agreed to implement COP26's policy suggestions. These countries accounted for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2017, thus posing severe threats to the global environment. The current study explores the role of renewable energy, forest depletion, eco-innovations, and export diversification in impacting the ecological footprint for those BRICS-T countries. We further examine the moderating effect of eco-innovations on agriculture on the BRICS-T nations. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing newer empirical insights on how eco-innovations and export diversification, along with renewable energy, forest cover, and agriculture, affecting the ecological footprint in the BRICS-T nations. It utilizes novel empirical methods like parametric and non-parametric techniques to derive the short-run and long-run empirical results. The empirical findings based on the augmented mean group and the kernel regularized least square methods document that economic growth, agriculture value added, and forest depletion increase the ecological footprint. In contrast, renewable energy and eco-innovations decrease the level of ecological footprint. In the long run, a 1% rise in GDP leads to a rise in the ecological footprint by 0.64% using the augmented mean group (AMG) estimation. The mean marginal effects are - 0.27%, 0.29%, and 0.17% for renewable energy; agriculture and forest cover, respectively, using the kernel-based regularized least square methods. The study suggests that policies designed for controlling the ecological footprints focus on the use of energy efficient technologies, particularly in the agricultural sector.

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO BUILDING THE ENERGY NETWORK OF THE FUTURE USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Purpose. The aim of the article is to form the concept of “energy network of the future”, identify the main challenges faced by the current energy system that require new innovative approaches and solutions, and analyse the possibilities of applying artificial intelligence algorithms to increase its efficiency. Methodology of research. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research is scientific works of scientists on the application of artificial intelligence algorithms in the energy sector. During the research, general scientific and special methods were used, including analysis and synthesis (for analysing the dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions, final energy consumption, and energy consumption based on renewable sources in Ukraine), graphical – for visualizing the obtained results, grouping renewable energy sources by type (for analysing dynamic shifts in the structure of overall energy consumption based on renewable sources), abstract and logical (for outlining the main directions of applying artificial intelligence in the energy network). Findings. The concept of “energy network of the future” has been defined, which will be understood as an integrated and automated system that uses renewable energy sources and ensures stable and uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers. The main task of such an energy network is to transition to low-carbon technologies, increase the role of renewable energy, and use energy-efficient technologies and innovations. The main challenges faced by the modern energy system requiring new innovative approaches and solutions include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the efficiency and safety of energy systems, developing renewable energy sources, and more. An analysis of the possibilities of using artificial intelligence to increase the efficiency of the energy network’s work has been carried out, resulting in the generalization of the main principles of machine learning algorithms and other methods for optimizing various processes in the energy industry, namely: data collection and processing, model training, implementation of decisions, monitoring, and support. Originality. The technological content of “energy network of the future” has been further developed, which involves a transition to low-carbon technologies, increasing the role of renewable energy and the use of energy-efficient technologies and innovations. The main directions of applying artificial intelligence have been justified and their effectiveness for solving important energy issues has been determined. Practical value. The research results can be used to develop new innovative products and services that allow energy sector companies to reduce costs and improve the quality of their services. The research can become an important source of information for government and non-governmental organizations involved in developing energy development strategies in the country. Key words: energy network, innovation, machine learning, technology, artificial intelligence.

PROSPECTS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF CABLE CAR TRANSPORT

Objective. The main purpose of this article is to review and analyze the possibilities of integrating cableway transport into the urban environment for unloading and redistribution of passenger flows in large cities, taking into account current issues of energy efficiency and resource conservation. Methods. It is determined that the successful functioning of the state depends on the transport process. At the same time, road transportation is becoming increasingly important. Statistical data for 2020 and 2021 on freight and passenger transportation were used. Statistics on road accidents have been increasing in recent years. The issues of passenger and freight safety are relevant. When designing a modern alternative mode of transport, it is important to consider possible innovative solutions. One of such approaches is the position on energy efficiency and resource conservation. At the same time, energy efficiency concerns not only the engineering processes of these transport systems, but also the operation of cable cars. An innovative solution can be rope systems in which cabins move along the carrier rope and are equipped with their own drive. Results. The main functions and significance of the transport system of the country, the main modes of transport, including passenger, are considered. The transport problem of large cities due to congestion of roads is determined. A review and analysis of the possibilities of integrating ropeway transport into the urban environment for unloading and redistribution of passenger flows in large cities, taking into account current issues of energy efficiency and resource conservation. The prospects for the introduction of cable transport are considered. Scientific novelty. The problems of transport of Ukraine are determined. Statistical data on road accidents, volumes of freight and passenger traffic are used. The proposed solution to unload the roads of large cities, in order to improve the safety of passenger traffic and environmental friendliness in transport. The scheme of self-propelled cable car with individual drive is developed. Practical significance. The issue of energy efficiency concerns the rational use of energy resources, which means that the use of less energy resources will reduce the cost of transportation. The use of energy efficient technologies will allow less detrimental impact on the environment, which is of great importance in a large city.

Simultaneous Determination of the Relationship between Economic Growth, Energy Consumption, Trade and the Environment in West Africa

Energy plays important roles in human lives and economic growth. Energy use however, have its environmental impacts. Economic growth may also be
 achieved through international trade and this can also impact the environment
 by increasing energy consumption and consequently, pollution. To this end, this study examined the interrelatedness of energy consumption, environmental
 pollution, international trade and the economic growth in nine of the West
 African countries from 1990 to 2018 using the method of two stage least squares (2SLS). The study found contrary to expectation, that economic growth and international trade have no significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions in West Africa. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Financial Development (FD) have no significant impact on carbon dioxide emission in West Africa. Trade openness significantly increased emission in the West African countries. Energy consumption, in conformity with economic theory has positively contributed significantly to the rise in carbon emission in West African states. Trade openness significantly increases economic growth. Other results indicate that economic growth bears no significant influence on energy consumption. This is a benefit rather than a problem as de-linking energy consumption from economic growth is a good objective of any government. Urbanization significantly increased energy consumption in West Africa. Lastly, foreign direct investment, significantly contributed positively to trade growth in West Africa. This study recommends a switch to more renewable and clean sources of energy as opposed to the fossil-based energy sources in order to de-link energy demand from emissions in their countries. Governments can also encourage the development and use of energy efficient technology or enact energy conservation policies so as to reduce fossil - fuels use among others.

Problems of Ensuring Energy Security in the Focus of Sustainable Development: From Traditional Resources to Alternative Ones

In the presented study, the development of energy-efficient technologies is studied using time series data for the years 1970-2020, which make it possible to ensure the sustainability of Russia's development. The threats to energy security in the economic, fuel supply, production, transit blocks and the block of reliability of functioning are identified, which give a signal about the need for measures to level them. Based on the synthesis of the theory of sustainability of economic systems, reliability theory, risk theory, system security theory, as well as analysis of modern factors of fuel and energy sector development, strategic guidelines for improving energy security and economically sustainable development of the fuel and energy sector are substantiated. The modern world is characterized by changes in the parameters and directions of the energy economy under the influence of scientific, technical, environmental, economic, organizational and other factors. The process of serious modernization is underway in the global energy sector. The transformation of the global energy sector is carried out within the framework of ensuring sustainable development through the introduction of new energy-saving technologies. Russia's energy security is based on a rich base of strategic resources and production potential created by the fuel and energy complex, which can ensure the gradual development of the country and its security. However, in recent decades, despite energy independence and independence, the issue of energy security has become more acute for various regions of Russia, which is associated with steadily growing energy needs. The study examines the dynamics of oil and gas production in Russia and the world. The factors of energy security of the Russian economy and the population with generated capacities, which are a barometer of the sustainability of economic development, are identified. The possibilities of transition from traditional energy sources first to REI, and then to inexhaustible natural sources, with the use of new digital technologies for their distribution and consumption in the economy are considered. The specific natural conditions of various regions of Russia are investigated for the possibility of developing alternative energy based on water, wind, solar energy, geothermal energy, wave energy, tides, and biomass energy. The economic, technological, social and environmental effects resulting from the use of energy-efficient technologies are substantiated.

Environmental energy security in the MENA region - an aggregated composite index.

Energy security is a multi-dimensional concept that is gaining a growing interest worldwide for studying the sustainability of a given energy sector. The level of energy security has been always quantified and evaluated by focusing on economic and technical dimensions, and modest importance was attributed to social and environmental aspects. Moreover, countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region were always under-reported in the literature pertaining to energy security issues. This study strives to evaluate energy security in this region through the establishment of an original Environmental Energy Security Index (EESI) in order to cover different dimensions of security of energy supply within these counties. A total of nine sub-indicators were selected based on the current policies and orientations in the region. These indicators were normalized, weighted, and aggregated for each country of the MENA region between 2008 and 2017. According to the assessment objectives, results showed that on average Yemen holds the highest EESI score of 5.319 followed by Morocco 4.304 and Algeria 4.087. On the other hands, Bahrain is ranked last 1.610 preceded by UAE 2.249 and Qatar 2.461. Some key proposals were suggested including investment in local resources, diversification of the energy mix, reduction of energy imports, and use of energy-efficient technologies.

Pavlovnia - highly productive culture for the production of biofuels and wood

Purpose. Creating Ukraine’s own feedstock base for the development of the biofuel industry through the use of energy-efficient technologies for growing high-yielding bioenergy crops on special energy plantations, which, along with high biomass growth for biofuel production, actively absorb carbon dioxide and emit significant amounts of oxygen.
 Research methods. Field, accounting, statistical, analytical.
 Results. Energy plantations of wood crops, which in a short term gives an opportunity to obtain a variety of high quality wood products. This line of business is new, which has already proven itself in world practice as one of the most profitable and reliable ways of investment. This process occurs most intensively in highly productive bioenergy crops of group C4, such as: paulownia, sugar sorghum, corn and sugar beets. As a rule, the invested funds are repaid for 3−5 years from the beginning of planting the energy plantation. For plantations with a short growing season, mostly fast-growing trees are used, which allows to reduce the growing season of trees from 10−20 to 3−5 years. This type of wood from specially created energy plantations can be used as a business and to process part of the raw material from waste, which is about 50% in the form of twigs, for fuel chips.
 Conclusions. The expediency of growing highly productive bioenergy crop of paulownia in different soil and climatic zones of the country in order to produce feedstock for the construction industry and biofuel production is substantiated. Ukraine has all the necessary prerequisites for this.

ПЕРЕХОДНЫЕ ПРОЦЕССЫ В СИСТЕМАХ ВОДОПОДАЧИ ПРИ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИИ ГИДРАВЛИЧЕСКОГО ТАРАНА КАК ВОДОПОДЪЕМНИКА

Currently, the problems of energy conservation and energy efficiency are among the most pressing both in the Russian Federation and the world community. It is no secret that the main consumers of electricity are pumping stations. Reducing the power consumption of pumping stations is a priority worldwide. The use of energy efficient technologies and alternative methods of supplying water can significantly save energy. One of these methods of water supply is the use of a hydraulic ram. The purpose of this work is to summarize materials and introduce the features of the use of hydraulic ram on rivers in those places where there is a problem of energy supply. The use of hydraulic ram as a water-lifting device is a rational solution, especially in mountainous areas. Based on the analysis of theoretical information, the results of research and technical developments of a number of institutes and organizations, various ram installations and their calculations are presented. It is emphasized that the positive aspects of the ram allow under the current conditions using these installations in hydraulic and water construction without the introduction of energy-saving technologies. Hydroramplants operate under winter conditions at temperatures up to –25°C. In addition, the use of hydraulic ram improves the safety of water supply systems. extends the service life of the system, thereby increasing the overall effi ciency of the water supply and distribution systems. The analysis of existing equations made it possible to establish optimal formulas for determining the productivity of rams and the efficiency of the plant. These expressions are the most justified ones and fully reflect the physical essence of the processes arising in hydro rams.

Humanity Can Still Stop Climate Change by Implementing a New International Climate Agreement and Applying Radical New Technology

There is a broad consensus worldwide that anthropogenic climate change is a scientific fact. Likewise, the fact is that the UN’s efforts to address climate change over the last 28 years have not been successful enough. It is evident that the global average temperature is on the rise (1.1 °C above pre-industrial levels in 2019). A particular concern comes from the fact that the Paris Agreement on keeping increases in the global average temperature to below +2 °C is an unenforceable ambition, since the focus is more on consequences than causes. In addition, economic policies regarding global taxes, as well as adaptation and mitigation measures, are questionable, as there is no evidence that changes in the climate system will proceed at the same rate in the coming years. This paper proposes an engineering approach that considers all relevant aspects of the climate change problem and proposes a new policy, named the “Climate New Deal”. It deals with: (i) Reorientation from a high-carbon economy to a green economy; (ii) The intensive use of radically new technology, e.g., “Seawater Steam Engine” technology for the simultaneous production of thermal and electric energy and drinking water; and (iii) The intensive use of energy efficient technologies and RES technologies, especially in transport.

INFLUENCE FACTORS AND FORMING METHODS RIVER CITY TERRITORIES

The article analyses the urban space of the riverine territories, the factors of improving the landscape-urban organization and the renovation of the riverine territories in the context of the concept of sustainable development of the city. The principles and techniques of forming the ecological framework of the riverine territories, the search for a balance between natural and man-made elements in urban space are revealed. One of the possible ways of comprehensive renovation is the use of three basic principles, such as the strength of the planning structure, the benefits of functional organization and the beauty of architectural and urban planning forms.The study of riverine urban spaces allowed us to determine the following urban development techniques for the development of these territories. Formation of disclosure of buildings on water bodies by reducing the number of storeys of complexes. Organization of the ecological framework of the territory in the context of existing green spaces with the creation of environmental ties. Creating a holistic composition of the formation of coastlines of the city. Use of energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly materials; formation of a recreation area along the river.Reservation and enhancement of the elements of the natural framework contributes to the environmental sustainability of the territories, allows you to compensate and neutralize the negative phenomena of anthropogenic activities. Proper placement of the landscaping system, especially in riverine areas, the development of an ecological approach to the organization of urban space; the increasing role of natural factors in the spatial structure of the city; the search for new approaches to the inclusion of landscape forms in the architectural space; formation of natural infrastructure to restore the function of the architectural landscape; the search for a balance between the anthropogenic and natural factors of the architectural space all this contributes to the humanization of the spatial environment of the city.

Conceptual framework for implementing energy-efficient technologies into construction

The energy problem is becoming global every year. The reason for this is the growth of the world’s population and the intensive development of technologies, which causes a constantly growing level of energy consumption. The construction industry is the largest sector of final energy consumption, accounting for a higher share of consumption than in industries such as industry and transport. The relevance and versatility of the problem of improving the efficiency of energy-efficient technologies in construction determines the need to improve the methodological foundations of the mechanism for managing production and economic processes for the introduction of energy-efficient technologies. Improvement and implementation of current methodological foundations and principles will form a systematic approach to the issue of mass use of energy efficient technologies in construction.

Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies in Lagos, Nigeria: Built Environment Professionals’ Perspective

In recent times, the need for concrete steps to be taken in the adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change has taken the centre stage in development discourse. However, there is a scarcity of empirical studies on the extent to which built environment professionals, especially in a developing country like Nigeria are aware of the various climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. This study examined the level of awareness of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies amongst built environment professionals in Lagos, Nigeria. The data were sourced through a cross-sectional survey of 71 respondents including, architects, builders, town planners, estate managers and quantity surveyors in the study area using an online questionnaire. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics and the result shows that the built environment professionals identified the main causes of climate change to include the use of fossil fuels in industrial production, automobiles, and generation of electricity. Also, the major effects of climate change were flooding and excessive heat, while the top three adaptation and mitigation strategies greening/planting trees, enforcement of building guidelines and the use of energy-efficient technologies. This study implies that the built environment professionals are very much aware of the existing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies but there is an urgent need to internalize them in the production and management of the environment in Nigeria.

Solving Air Conditioning Problems in a Design Project Using Energy-Efficient Daylighting Systems Based on Hollow Tubular Light Guides

In our work we demonstrate a developed design project for lighting a 24-hour cafe at one of the largest airports in Russia. The project is based on use of energy-efficient technology for delivering natural light to rooms with constant presence of people. The existing option includes only minor artificial lighting. Employees and passengers who, for various reasons, have to stay in the terminal cafe for a long time, experience certain discomfort and fatigue for lack of natural light and continuous air conditioning in summer time. The proposed design project allows not only to radically change the interior atmosphere of the cafe due to natural sunlight and diffuse light, but also significantly save energy costs associated with continuous round-the-clock energy consuming artificial lighting and air conditioning in summer, contribute to improving the psychological comfort of people and preserving the natural environment. This statement is confirmed in this article below by the heat engineering calculation performed in Ansys calculation complex. There are no analogues to this project. Illumination calculations were performed in improved DIALux program, into which the relevant information on the applied daylighting systems was integrated. The calculation of the economic profitability of the design project confirms feasibility of material costs.

USE OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES AND ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING METHODS OF DEALING WITH ADVERSE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS ON THE EXAMPLE OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE

The article reveals issues related to the relevance of the use of energy efficient technologies and architectural and planning methods of dealing with adverse climatic conditions in the modern world. The concept of extremality is revealed in architecture and a classification of extreme conditions is presented. The analysis of the state policy in the field of efficient use of energy resources was carried out and the vector of development of energy saving programs for Russia was determined. The purpose of the work was based on the analysis of modern foreign design and construction experience to identify the advantages and disadvantages of facilities using energy efficient technologies and architectural planning methods to combat adverse climatic conditions, and determine the prospects of their use in the domestic construction practice. The study of the influence of extreme climatic conditions on the architectural and planning solutions of buildings was carried out and the peculiarities of their design, primarily related to the issues of improving energy efficiency, were revealed. It was concluded that the objects under study can be considered as one of the directions for the development of sustainable architecture.

Fast 2D Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy Mapping of Rare Earth Elements in Rock Samples.

Due to the rapidly increasing use of energy-efficient technologies, the need for complex materials containing rare earth elements (REEs) is steadily growing. The high demand for REEs requires the exploration of new mineral deposits of these valuable elements, as recovery by recycling is still very low. Easy-to-deploy sensor technologies featuring high sensitivity to REEs are required to overcome limitations by traditional techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence. We demonstrate the ability of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to detect REEs rapidly in relevant geological samples. We introduce two-dimensional LIF mapping to scan rock samples from two Namibian REE deposits and cross-validate the obtained results by employing mineral liberation analysis (MLA) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Technique-specific parameters, such as acquisition speed, spatial resolution, and detection limits, are discussed and compared to established analysis methods. We also focus on the attribution of REE occurrences to mineralogical features, which may be helpful for the further geological interpretation of a deposit. This study sets the basis for the development of a combined mapping sensor for HSI and 2D LIF measurements, which could be used for drill-core logging in REE exploration, as well as in recovery plants.