IMPACT OF THE ELEVATOR INDUSTRY ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article explores the environmental impact of the elevator industry on Ukraine’s environment, particularly in the context of modern challenges caused by military actions, economic instability, and outdated material and technical infrastructure. The elevator sector is a crucial component of Ukraine’s agro-industrial complex, providing storage and logistics for grain crops.However, its activities are accompanied by a range of environmental issues that have both local and global significance.The analysis covers the main sources of environmental pollution, with a focus on dust emissions, excessive energy consumption, noise pollution, and the consequences of the destruction of grain storage facilities due to hostilities. Elevator complexes that operate without modern aspiration systems are particularly hazardous, as they emit fine particulate dust containing harmful substances, microorganisms, pesticides, and allergens. This type of pollution poses a serious threat to the health of facility workers and residents of nearby settlements.The outdated infrastructure of elevators – most of which were built during the Soviet era – fails to meet current environmental safety requirements. This hinders the implementation of effective air purification, waste management, and energy-saving systems. The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine has led to the widespread destruction of grain storage facilities, resulting in significant losses of agricultural products and contamination of soil, water, and air. These environmental disasters have long- term impacts on the biosphere, degrade ecosystems, and increase health risks for the population.The article also examines modern technological solutions that can minimize the harmful effects of the elevator industry on the environment. In particular, the adoption of energy-efficient aspiration systems, the automation of grain accounting and storage processes, and the use of alternative energy sources (such as solar power or biogas) can significantly improve the environmental safety of production. Implementing these initiatives requires not only substantial financial investments but also the adaptation of the regulatory framework to current realities and European standards. In the long run, this will help not only reduce pollution levels but also strengthen the competitiveness of Ukrainian agricultural products on the global market.