Sustainable Development Is an Engineer’s Practice. Educational Seminar at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences

The seminar was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Prof. Michał Bołtryk, DSc, PhD, Eng., who emphasized that the University educates specialists aware of the environmental impact of their work.

– At the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, we offer studies in seven programmes. These are future specialists who must know how to leave the smallest possible carbon footprint in their professional practice – says Prof. Michał Bołtryk, DSc, PhD, Eng. – That is why, during their studies, they gain knowledge in recycling industrial, construction, forestry, and agricultural waste. We are proud to prepare graduates who will meet the requirements of the Climate Act by 2050.

Sustainable Development: Practice over Theory

The main goal of the seminar was to show students how theoretical knowledge translates into real business practices. Among the speakers were representatives of Wodociągi Białostockie, Kompania Piwowarska S.A. (Browar Dojlidy), Podlaskie Konopie, Mleczarnia Piątnica, Jacobs, GURU Ferment, Regional Directorate of State Forests, and Green Pix Partner.
Krystyna Rauba, PhD, Eng., the event organizer, emphasized:

– We aim to show students that there are opportunities to collaborate with companies implementing modern technologies. We invited businesses that already operate in the spirit of sustainable development or offer eco-friendly materials, such as Podlaskie Konopie, whose products are not only strong and fire-resistant but also environmentally friendly. We want our graduates to leave the University with knowledge of technologies related to broadly understood sustainable development – says Krystyna Rauba.

Katarzyna Kalinowska-Wichrowska, PhD, Eng., Vice-Dean for Development and Cooperation at the Faculty, confirmed:

– The theory we teach students in class we want to combine with practice and show that it is not an abstraction. Sustainable development is not just a slogan but a real way to balance human activity and the environment – emphasizes Katarzyna Kalinowska-Wichrowska. – One problem that appears across almost all engineering disciplines is waste. It has been, is, and will be, so we want future generations to know how to prevent it.

Industry Perspective

Industry representatives attending the seminar agreed that sustainable development has become the foundation of modern business. Consumers, employees, and investors expect companies to act transparently and take real measures for the environment and society.

– Nowadays, there is no other way to run a business. We are accountable for every carton, every piece of foil, every can. We must ensure that as many raw materials as possible are recycled – says Grzegorz Węgrzyniak from Asahi Group (Browar Białystok).

Grzegorz Zajkowski from Wodociągi Białostockie, a Bialystok University of Technology graduate, highlighted the crucial role of engineers in the era of climate change.

– As engineers, we must ensure that future generations have access to water resources. The responsibility for implementing integrated water management strategies, including improving the condition of surface waters, often falls on engineers. We must also observe and analyse climate data based on knowledge and facts to develop effective response tools – says Grzegorz Zajkowski. – Thanks to my education at Bialystok University of Technology, I see how the courses I took provided me with the foundation to understand these technologies.

Engaged Students

The seminar drew strong interest from students, who see sustainable development as central to their future careers.

– I think it is very important for a student to know this. One must develop on every level – says Wiktoria Chrzanowska, a second-year civil engineering student.

Her classmate, Kornel Łoniewski, adds:

– We always strive for balance, whether in life or in technology. In construction, sustainable development means achieving optimal economic and functional efficiency while minimizing negative environmental impact.

University Achievements

During the event, the success of Bialystok University of Technology was highlighted: in the 2025 UI GreenMetric international ranking, which assesses universities in terms of sustainable development and ecology, the University ranked 4th in Poland and 339th worldwide. This result reflects, among other things, the implementation of the University’s strategy “My Green University”.

Vice-Dean Kalinowska-Wichrowska encouraged students to be bold in applying for international scholarships. As a Fulbright program ambassador, she shared her experience, describing how she conducted an internship at Auburn University in Alabama, researching concrete rubble recycling.

The seminar “Sustainable Development in Engineering Disciplines” at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences of Bialystok University of Technology demonstrated that collaboration between academia and industry, combined with practical engineer training, is key to a safe and green future. Presentations were accompanied by showcases from student scientific associations operating at the Faculty.

Author: Monika Rokicka

View the photo gallery from the educational seminar at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences of Bialystok University of Technology, held on 10 December 2025.