Decarbonising the Building Industry

Dear Colleagues,

The "Decarbonising the Building Industry" Topic aims to address the urgent need for sustainable practices in the construction and operation of buildings, which are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising the built environment emerges as a pivotal step in mitigating climate change impacts as the world edges closer to critical environmental thresholds. This Topic collection seeks to encapsulate cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and practical strategies propelling the construction and urban development sectors towards a greener, more sustainable trajectory. This multidisciplinary exploration covers various aspects, including advancements in building materials, energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and policy frameworks. Contributions from academia, industry professionals, and policymakers will provide comprehensive perspectives on transforming the building industry to achieve a low-carbon future. Sub Topics:

Low-Carbon Materials:

• Development of sustainable building materials;
• Carbon footprint reduction in concrete and steel production;

Innovative use of recycled materials in construction. Energy-Efficient Building Practices:

• Advanced building insulation technologies;
• High-performance windows and glazing systems;
• Energy-efficient HVAC systems.

Construction Processes and Technologies:

• Prefabricated and modular construction methods;
• Digital twin technology in construction management;
• Robotics and automation in construction.

Operational Emission Reduction:

• Smart building management systems;
• Energy monitoring and management solutions;
• Retrofitting existing buildings for energy efficiency.

Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:

• Government policies supporting low-carbon building practices;
• Incentives for sustainable construction;
• International standards and certifications for green buildings.

Socio-Economic Impact:

• Cost-benefit analysis of sustainable building practices;
• Job creation in the green construction sector;
• Social equity in the transition to sustainable buildings.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):

• Comprehensive LCA of building materials and processes;
• Environmental impact assessment tools and methodologies;
• Case studies on the life cycle performance of sustainable buildings.

By bringing together the insights of academics, industry professionals, and policymakers, this Topic aims to foster a collaborative approach to tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our era. As we collectively navigate towards a net-zero future, the articles presented here offer a blueprint for innovation, illustrating the potential pathways and collaborative efforts required to transform the built environment into a pillar of sustainability and resilience.

Dr. Behzad Rismanchi
Prof. Dr. Tuan Ngo
Dr. Alireza Kashani
Dr. Aliakbar Gholampour
Dr. M. Reza Hosseini
Topic Editors