Innovative Materials, Nature-Based Solutions and Energy-Efficient Solutions in Sustainable Buildings and Cities

Dear Colleagues,

The issue on Innovative Materials, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), and Energy-Efficient Solutions in Sustainable Buildings and Cities addresses critical challenges in construction and urban sustainability. This focus arises from the urgent need to mitigate climate change impacts, reduce resource consumption, and enhance the livability of urban areas, which are responsible for significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (SDG 11—Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13—Climate Action). The scope of this issue includes the development, integration, and evaluation of new materials, technologies, and practices that promote environmental sustainability, social resilience, and economic feasibility in urban planning and construction.

Innovative materials are essential in constructing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. These materials include advanced composites, recycled materials, phase-change materials, low-carbon concrete, nanomaterials, eco-materials, etc., all aimed at reducing embodied energy and improving performance (e.g., thermal, mechanical, durability, etc.). Their application in buildings, insulation systems, and structural components helps minimize resource use and improve the longevity of structures. Studies in the literature often explore how such materials can enhance energy efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector, but other research is needed.

Concerning Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), they refer to the use of natural processes and ecosystems to address global challenges and urban sustainability. Examples include green roofs and facades, urban gardens, wetlands, and permeable pavements that mimic natural processes to manage water, reduce heat islands, and enhance biodiversity. The literature emphasizes the dual environmental and social benefits of NBS, including improved air quality, water management, and public health. NBS is particularly relevant in addressing climate adaptation needs by providing resilience against extreme weather events such as floods and heatwaves in urban settings.

Energy-Efficient Solutions encompass a range of strategies aimed at minimizing energy consumption in buildings and cities. This includes passive design strategies (e.g., natural ventilation, solar orientation), application of new materials, energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart grids, and renewable energy integration (e.g., solar, wind). Research in this area highlights the potential of such technologies to drastically reduce the energy demands of urban environments, contributing to significant greenhouse gas reductions.

Smart technologies like IoT and AI further enhance the efficiency of urban systems and can have a multiscale application (from macro to micro and vice versa).

This issue ties closely to broader discussions on sustainable urban development, climate adaptation, and resource efficiency and innovation. Previous studies have established the importance of reducing the environmental footprint of cities through better materials, infrastructure, and energy systems. This issue has an interdisciplinary approach, integrating contributions on material science, construction fields, NBS, energy efficiency and management, and urban sustainability. It also intersects with circular economy principles, where materials are designed for reuse and energy systems are made more sustainable through renewable integration and efficiency improvements.

Dr. Paola Lassandro
Guest Editor

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• advanced composites
• recycled materials
• phase-change materials
• low-carbon concrete
• nanomaterials
• eco-materials
• green infrastructure
• nature-based solutions
• energy efficiency
• climate change adaptations
• urban sustainability