Advanced Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings

Dear Readers,

It is my pleasure to present this Special Issue of Energies on advanced technologies for energy-efficient buildings. The building sector remains one of the largest consumers of energy worldwide and plays a central role in achieving climate neutrality, improving energy security, and enhancing indoor environmental quality. Technological innovation is rapidly transforming the way that buildings are designed, constructed, and operated, offering new pathways toward higher performance and reduced environmental impacts.

Recent developments in smart building systems, advanced materials, high-efficiency HVAC technologies, renewable energy integration, and data-driven energy management have significantly improved building performance. Digital tools, artificial intelligence, and real-time monitoring now enable predictive control strategies and more adaptive operation. At the same time, integrated approaches that connect buildings to smart grids and distributed energy systems are redefining their role within the broader energy landscape.

Despite this progress, important challenges remain. The scalability of emerging technologies, long-term performance validation, lifecycle assessment, and the integration of energy efficiency with sustainability metrics such as embodied carbon and resilience continue to require further investigation. Moreover, translating technological innovation into cost-effective, policy-aligned, and socially responsive solutions demands interdisciplinary collaboration.

The contributions gathered in this Special Issue address these gaps by presenting innovative methodologies, case studies, modeling approaches, and practical applications. Together, they provide valuable insights into how advanced technologies can enhance energy efficiency while maintaining occupant comfort and operational reliability. The published papers demonstrate the importance of combining technological advancement with integrated planning and evidence-based evaluation.

Looking ahead, future research should prioritize standardized benchmarking frameworks, interoperable digital platforms, and holistic lifecycle perspectives. Greater attention to user behavior, urban-scale integration, and climate adaptability will also be essential in shaping the next generation of energy-efficient buildings.

I would like to sincerely thank all the authors for their high-quality contributions, the reviewers for their constructive and rigorous evaluations, and the editorial team of Energies for their continuous support. I am also grateful for the valuable assistance of the Assistant Guest Editor, whose support contributed significantly to the successful completion of this Special Issue.