railway station Gdańsk Główny in Gdańsk

installation of 5000 l per day greywater-recycling-system (GWI 5.2-5.000)

The renovation of the Gdańsk Główny railway station is a flagship project for the revitalization of historic infrastructure. It serves as a prime example of how strict heritage conservation requirements can be seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge sustainable technology.

Innovation within a Historic Landmark

During the extensive modernization of the station, which was originally built at the end of the 19th century, the implementation of a circular water system was a central priority. The goal was to transform one of Poland’s busiest transport hubs into a model of resource efficiency.

1. Greywater Recycling

Due to the high volume of daily visitors, the station has a significant demand for water in its sanitary facilities.

• Collection & Treatment: Wastewater from the washbasins in the public restrooms is collected separately. It undergoes a multi-stage purification process, including biological treatment and membrane filtration.
• Reuse: The treated “service water” is fed back into the system to be used exclusively for toilet flushing. This significantly reduces the station’s reliance on the municipal drinking water supply.

2. Rainwater Management

The large roof surfaces of the historic station building are utilized for active rainwater harvesting:

• Storage: Rainwater is collected via the traditional gutter systems and diverted into large underground retention tanks.
• Usage: This water is primarily used for cleaning the platform areas and maintaining the surrounding green spaces.
• Urban Relief: By capturing rainwater on-site, the project reduces the peak load on the city’s drainage system during heavy rainfall, preventing local flooding in the station’s underpasses.

3. Sustainability Meets Heritage

The particular challenge in Gdańsk was installing the necessary technical infrastructure (tanks, dual piping systems, and filtration units) without interfering with the historic fabric of the building.

• Monitoring: The entire water cycle is monitored by a smart Building Management System (BMS) to ensure maximum efficiency and hygiene standards.
• Impact: This project sets a new standard for the Polish State Railways (PKP) and demonstrates that even century-old monuments can contribute to modern climate goals.

Realisation: 2022

Partner: Green Water Solutions