The manuscript presents the research results concerning the properties of concrete with non-clinker, low-emission binder composed of by-products from metallurgy and power industry: ground granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash from circular fluidized-bed combustion of brown coal. The binder was added in five proportions. The consistency and air content of the concrete mix were measured, as well as the temperature of the concrete mix during hardening. The compressive strength of the hardened concrete was investigated in three periods of samples’ curing: after 28, 90 and 360 days. Also the penetration depth of water under pressure and freeze and thaw resistance of concrete samples were investigated. The results confirm the possibility of application of slag-CFBC fly ash binder for mass concrete due to low temperature during hardening. The obtained results of the compressive strength and penetration depth of water under pressure reveal the influence of changing the proportion of the binder ingredients, as well as the sample damage during testing the freeze/thaw resistance. The CFBC fly ash-slag binder can be used for mass concrete, hydrotechnical concretes in particular, but excluding the zones exposed to frost.

The manuscript presents the condition of circular economy in Poland in diversified approach: subjective (waste streams, energy), sectoral (construction, wastewater treatment, coal energy), related to the resources (phosphorous and anthropogenic minerals) and considering proper energy management (almost zero energy buildings). The achievements reached in different sectors as well as the requirements towards implementation of CE are presented. The advancement of recycling technologies does not deviate from the global level, in terms of areas specific to Poland. Limiting the exploitation of natural resources and usage of new materials as well as producing more durable products are of CE concern. Also energy and heat recovery in buildings and technological processes (e.g. during wastewater treatment), ways of utilization of combustion by-products and water decarbonization waste are described. The implementation of CE in Poland needs not only research and technical activities, but also the modification of technological processes, the right policy, overcoming crosssectoral barriers, developing legal regulations and support schemes for CE.

Cut-off walls built using self-hardening slurries are an important tool for modern engineering pursuing Sustainable Development Goals. Much like cement concrete, this material is affected by the challenges posed by the increasing human pressure on the environment, although it is used significantly less widely than concrete; for this reason, relatively little comprehensive literature data is available describing the interaction of self-hardening slurries with the environment. This article provides a review that complements the current state of knowledge on self-hardening slurries in this area, with a particular focus on the durability of the material and its pollutant immobilization capabilities. To provide context, the material’s operating conditions, properties and components are briefly characterized. The resistance of self-hardening slurries to environmental aggression is described extensively, as it is a key factor in ensuring the durability of the material. A sample analysis of the material’s carbon footprint in several representative composition variants is presented. The subject of pollutant immobilization by self-hardening slurries is outlined. Lines of further research are proposed to fill gaps in the available knowledge.