Gdańsk University of Technology Eco-Innovation Centre officially opened | Gdańsk University of Technology

The Gdańsk University of Technology Eco-Innovation Center will perform teaching, laboratory and research functions, thus allowing for the education of specialist staff focused on creating further, innovative ecological technologies. Reducing the effects of floods and droughts, recovering raw materials and energy, wind energy, using waste materials for concrete production, removing pollutants from water - these are some of the most serious challenges of the modern world, and at the same time key directions of research that will be implemented at the Gdańsk University of Technology Eco-Innovation Center.

Investment important not only for the university

The grand opening of the investment took place on Tuesday, 3 December 2024. The event was attended by Maria Mrówczyńska, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Piotr Grzelak, Vice President of Gdańsk, Magdalena Czarzyńska-Jachim, President of Sopot, as well as representatives of business and academic community, including the university authorities led by the Rector, Prof. Krzysztof Wilde.

– Eco-innovation is more than just technology and science. It is a change of mindset. It is a new way of looking at the world, which requires courage, determination and consistency from us – says Prof. Krzysztof Wilde, Rector of Gdańsk University of Technology. – I believe that the Eco-Innovation Center will become a place of inspiration and education – proof that each of us has an impact on the climate and our planet. We have focused on the multidisciplinary nature of cooperation, involving specialists from various fields. The research will be conducted by scientists, engineers and practitioners, which will allow for the development of innovative solutions in the area of ecology, and will have a real impact on the lives of all of us.

Then, Maria Mrówczyńska, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, read a letter from the Minister of Science Dariusz Wieczorek:

– I am convinced that this ambitious undertaking is an excellent example of how advanced technologies can serve to create sustainable spaces. It is also a promising announcement of cooperation between the academic community, public administration and the industrial environment to strengthen the potential of the university, as well as the development of the region – wrote Minister Wieczorek in the letter.

Minister Mrówczyńska added:

– I would like to personally congratulate you on carrying out such a difficult investment. I believe that such potential should also be used by the regional authorities.

The event began with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon in front of the main entrance to the building, which symbolized the official opening of the center. Then, the invited guests sat in the auditorium of the Eco-Innovation Centre, where the official part of the ceremony took place.

The participants of the event also listened to a presentation by Prof. Piotr Jaskuła, Vice-Dean for Cooperation of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, regarding the center itself and its purpose.

Modern research and development infrastructure

– The heart of the Eco-Innovation Centre are laboratories, where scientists will be able to work on and develop broadly understood green technologies. – says Prof. Piotr Jaskuła, Vice-Dean for Cooperation at the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering. – The specialist equipment they are equipped with will enable research to be conducted in response to the most pressing climate and environmental protection problems, such as limiting the effects of floods and droughts, reducing CO₂ emissions, removing pollutants from water or recovering energy.

The Eco-Innovation Centre laboratories will enable scientists to work in areas such as:

• Clean water technologies – including optimization of technological processes in sewage treatment plants, hydrophyte treatment, water flow and migration of pollutants in rivers, canals and industrial installations; model studies of hydrotechnical facilities, removing new generation pollutants.
• Sustainable transport – including intelligent transport systems, dynamic travel models, infrastructure diagnostics in rail and road transport, long-lasting surfaces, environmental research in transport, i.e. noise and vibrations.
• Circular economy – including developing technologies for reusing raw materials, e.g. concrete and asphalt using recycled materials, with organic additives; concrete and asphalt with low CO₂ emissions; in a maximally efficient way, recovering energy from waste.
• Adaptation to climate change – including measuring greenhouse gas emissions from sewage treatment processes together with calculating the carbon footprint; nature-based technologies in water protection and adaptation of cities to climate change; developing new building materials, including surfaces resistant to extreme temperatures, as well as stable ground surfaces.

Green technologies in an ecological building

The Eco-Innovation Centre will be used by scientists and researchers, as well as students. The building – with almost 13 thousand square meters of space – will house: 18 research and computer laboratories, 20 teaching rooms, an auditorium, as well as a comfortable space for students, where they will be able to relax between classes.

– However, the fact that the Eco-Innovation Centre is “green” is evidenced not only by its scientific purpose. The building itself uses a number of pro-ecological technologies and solutions, thanks to which its operation will be environmentally friendly as well – says Mariusz Miler, Chancellor of Gdańsk University of Technology. – The center is equipped with modern photovoltaic cells, a green roof and heat pumps, which operate it in cooperation with traditional energy sources. The facility has grey water recovery installations. Intelligent installation control systems have also been used.

The facility was designed by the FORT architectural office, and the main designer of the building is Prof. Antoni Taraszkiewicz. The investment was carried out by Grupa NDI.

The total cost of the investment is approximately PLN 170 million obtained from ministerial subsidies, EU funds and the university's own funds.

Tour of the facility and an inspiring lecture

Participants of the opening ceremony also had the opportunity to tour the Eco-Innovation Center building and familiarize themselves with the spaces designated for scientists and students. The event was concluded with a lecture by Prof. Szymon Malinowski from the University of Warsaw, a Polish atmospheric physicist, professor of earth sciences and a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences, as well as the protagonist of the famous documentary film "You Can Panic". In his speech, Prof. Malinowski addressed key issues related to the current climate crisis. The scientist presented the mechanisms behind changes in the Earth's climate system, discussed the role of humans in these processes and presented the possibilities we have to counteract the climate catastrophe.