A prerequisite for achieving high energy efficiency of water supply systems (understood as using less energy to perform the same task) is the appropriate selection of all elements and their rational use. Energy consumption in water supply systems (WSS) is closely connected with water demand. Especially in the case of oversized water supply systems for which consumers’ water demand is at least 50% less than previously planned and flow velocity in some parts of the system is below 0.01 m·s−1, this problem of excessive energy consumption can be observed. In the literature, it is difficult to find descriptions and methods of energy management for such a case. The purpose of this study was both an evaluation of the current demand of an oversized WSS and a preliminary technical analysis of the possibility for energy saving. Solutions are presented that resulted in improvements in energy management, thus increasing energy efficiency. The conducted analyses indicate the wide use of numerical, hydraulic models, among others, for the needs of the sustainable oversize water supply systems management in order to improve energy efficiency. Those simulations only give energy consumption results as a first step in the process of decision-making for the modernization process, in which investment costs should be taken into account as a second step. Thus, this paper emphasizes the crucial role of hydraulic models as a good analytical tool used in decision support systems (DSS), especially for large, oversized water supply systems.
Environmental awareness of managers and employees can be an important factor favouring the implementation of eco-innovation in enterprises. This article aims to identify the role of entrepreneur's ecological awareness in implementing the eco-innovation. In order to attain this purpose, the literature analysis in the field of environmental awareness and eco-innovation was conducted. The results of this analysis were the basis for the design and performance of the in-depth qualitative research based on a case study of a selected enterprise. As shown in the presented example, the high level of environmental awareness of entrepreneur translates into the company value systems and, additionally, it shapes the right attitude and pro-ecological preservation.
The article discusses the issue of smart specializations treated as a significant mechanism stimulating innovative development of water and wastewater economy. The article shows the links between the developing of smart specializations and the possibility of development innovative, research and development of the economy. The aim of the article is to present the meaning of the concept of smart specialization in the development of innovative water and wastewater economy at the national level and on the example of the Silesian Region. To achieve the goal, the theoretical assumptions of the concept of smart specialization were also presented. In particular, the article emphasizes the need for cooperation, establishing partnerships for the development of smart specializations that contribute to solving problems and increasing the competitiveness of EU countries and regions.
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