Towards Sustainable Construction: New Trends in Building Renovation, Energy Efficiency and Innovative Materials

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2026 | Viewed by 14445

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Guest Editor Assistant
Escuela Técnica Superior de Edificación, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: innovative materials, building renovation and pathology; life cycle assessment; sustainability; waste management; circular economy; energy efficiency; building education
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The construction industry holds a key role in the economic development of nations. Every year, this sector demands a huge amount of raw materials and generates a strong environmental impact on our planet. For this reason, it is necessary to move towards sustainable, more efficient, and environmentally friendly construction. In this sense, the refurbishment of existing buildings is becoming increasingly common as a sustainable approach for utilising existing resources in cities, improving their initial performance, and therefore recovering the value of the built heritage.

The main goal of this Special Issue is to collect contributions related to sustainability that contribute to boosting building renovation. Thus, this initiative welcomes dissimilar contributions that address various topics, such as (i) the development and characterisation of novel sustainable building materials; (ii) the energy efficiency of buildings and the improvement of their thermal performance; (iii) retrofitting and restoration strategies for existing buildings; and (iv) the efficient management of existing resources and circular economy. In this way, initiatives focused on improving the sustainability of buildings, developing new construction systems, and introducing technological innovations in buildings are welcome.

Dr. Daniel Ferrández Vega
Dr. Paulo Santos
Guest Editors

Alicia Zaragoza Benzal
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable construction materials
  • energy efficiency in buildings and thermal behaviour
  • building conservation techniques
  • gypsum, lime mortars, cement composites, wood, steel and concrete
  • building pathology and rehabilitation strategies
  • circular economy for a sustainable construction
  • life-cycle assessment of buildings and building components
  • passive conditioning of buildings
  • new technologies applied to buildings

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2576 KB  
Article
Ground Improvement Using Recycled Concrete Columns: A Case Study of Wind Turbine Foundation
by Katarzyna Markowska-Lech, Katarzyna Gabryś and Mariusz Lech
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3752; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203752 - 17 Oct 2025
Abstract
There is a growing global trend toward reducing the consumption of natural resources and newly produced construction materials by replacing them with secondary raw materials. Concrete derived from construction and demolition waste can be recycled multiple times and is considered environmentally sustainable. This [...] Read more.
There is a growing global trend toward reducing the consumption of natural resources and newly produced construction materials by replacing them with secondary raw materials. Concrete derived from construction and demolition waste can be recycled multiple times and is considered environmentally sustainable. This study evaluates the feasibility of reinforcing weak subsoil using crushed recycled concrete. Concrete obtained from the demolition of residential buildings was crushed under laboratory conditions to produce material with grain sizes corresponding to sands, and mixtures were subsequently prepared containing up to 30% fine fraction. The case study focuses on circular wind turbine foundations supported by symmetrically arranged columns made of four different materials, located beneath the foundation slab. The analyzed subsoil is characterized by strong stratification, low bearing capacity, and high compressibility. The calculation results indicate that the bearing capacity conditions for all foundations were met within similar ranges of the safety factor for the given loads, both for low- and high-power turbines. However, foundation deformations increased with turbine size and bending moments, and were nearly twice as large for recycled aggregates compared to recycled concrete. Numerical simulations demonstrate that recycled aggregate without fine fraction, as well as with fine fraction, and recycled concrete can provide load-bearing performance comparable to conventional concrete under low loading conditions, while offering significant environmental benefits. Full article
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15 pages, 2928 KB  
Article
A Case Study on the Energy Efficiency of Windows in Institutional and Residential Buildings
by Xinzhi Qiu, Meng Gong and Alireza Kaboorani
Buildings 2025, 15(19), 3478; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15193478 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 392
Abstract
Building energy consumption occupies an increasing proportion of the total energy consumption of society, and the use of energy-efficient windows can have great significance for energy saving. This case study examined the energy efficiency of various types of windows of the buildings on [...] Read more.
Building energy consumption occupies an increasing proportion of the total energy consumption of society, and the use of energy-efficient windows can have great significance for energy saving. This case study examined the energy efficiency of various types of windows of the buildings on the University of New Brunswick campus, Fredericton, Canada. The energy performance of these windows was monitored by an infrared thermal camera from November 2021 to April 2022 and assessed in terms of the heat loss between different types of windows. The main findings were that (1) the temperature distribution of a window was strongly influenced by the indoor and outdoor temperature; (2) wood frame windows showed better insulation properties than metal frame ones; (3) fixed windows had a better energy performance than sliding windows and single-hung windows; and (4) the east orientation of a building and the use of Low-E glazing were the most effective expedients to reduce the winter energy required. By comparing these findings with earlier research, this study contributes new insights for cold climates, underscoreing the importance of Low-E glazing and configuration choice in building retrofits for energy-efficient, sustainable construction. Full article
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16 pages, 2351 KB  
Article
Use of Expansive Agents to Increase the Sustainability and Performance of Heat-Cured Concretes
by José Luis García Calvo and Pedro Carballosa
Buildings 2025, 15(17), 3128; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15173128 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
Heat-curing processes are often used to ensure the production rate of precast concrete elements, as this process increases the early strength of the material. However, the increase in curing temperature can negatively affect the final mechanical properties since cracking, and especially high porosity, [...] Read more.
Heat-curing processes are often used to ensure the production rate of precast concrete elements, as this process increases the early strength of the material. However, the increase in curing temperature can negatively affect the final mechanical properties since cracking, and especially high porosity, may occur under these conditions. In order to compensate for the expected loss in mechanical and durability-related properties, the cement content is typically increased. This solution raises the cost of the final product and reduces its sustainability. Thus, in this study, the development of expansive self-compacting concretes (SCCs) is proposed to achieve higher final mechanical properties without increasing cement contents. The mechanical properties, expansive performance, and porous microstructure have been evaluated under different curing regimes. The obtained results show that it is possible to obtain similar or even better mechanical performance in expansive concretes cured at high temperatures than in those cured in standard conditions, particularly when using ettringite-based expansive agents (EAs). Moreover, the use of limestone filler (LF) proved to be more suitable than the use of fly ashes in the working conditions evaluated in the present study. In this sense, the compressive strength at 28 days of SCC with LF and ettringite-based EAs is 4.3% higher than the one obtained under standard curing; moreover, the total porosity is reduced (5%), and the drying shrinkage is also limited. These aspects have not been previously reported in non-expansive heat-cured concretes and represent a unique opportunity to reduce the cement content and, therefore, the carbon footprint of precast concretes without reducing their mechanical properties. When using CaO-based EAs, the results are also better than those of non-expansive SCC, although the improvement is less pronounced than in the previous case. Full article
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61 pages, 4626 KB  
Article
Integrating Occupant Behavior into Window Design: A Dynamic Simulation Study for Enhancing Natural Ventilation in Residential Buildings
by Mojgan Pourtangestani, Nima Izadyar, Elmira Jamei and Zora Vrcelj
Buildings 2025, 15(13), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15132193 - 23 Jun 2025
Viewed by 902
Abstract
Predicted natural ventilation (NV) often diverges from actual performance in dwellings. This discrepancy arises in part because most design tools do not account for how occupants actually operate windows. This study aims to determine how window geometry and orientation should be adjusted when [...] Read more.
Predicted natural ventilation (NV) often diverges from actual performance in dwellings. This discrepancy arises in part because most design tools do not account for how occupants actually operate windows. This study aims to determine how window geometry and orientation should be adjusted when occupant behavior is considered. Survey data from 150 Melbourne residents were converted into two window-operation schedules: Same Behavior (SB), representing average patterns, and Probable Behavior (PB), capturing stochastic responses to comfort, privacy, and climate. Both schedules were embedded in EnergyPlus and applied to over 200 annual simulations across five window-design stories that varied orientations, placements, and window-to-wall ratios (WWRs). Each story was tested across two living room wall dimensions (7 m and 4.5 m) and evaluated for air-change rate per hour (ACH) and solar gains. PB increased annual ACH by 5–12% over SB, with the greatest uplift in north-facing cross-ventilated layouts on the wider wall. Integrating probabilistic occupant behavior into window design remarkably improves NV effectiveness, with peak summer ACH reaching 4.8, indicating high ventilation rates that support thermal comfort and improved IAQ without mechanical assistance. These results highlight the potential of occupant-responsive window configurations to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling and enhance indoor air quality (IAQ). This study contributes a replicable occupant-centered workflow and ready-to-apply design rules for Australian temperate climates, adapted to different climate zones. Future research will extend the method to different climates, housing types, and user profiles and will integrate smart-sensor feedback, adaptive glazing, and hybrid ventilation strategies through multi-objective optimization. Full article
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29 pages, 2140 KB  
Article
Housing Market Trends and Affordability in Central Europe: Insights from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Poland
by Jitka Matějková and Alena Tichá
Buildings 2025, 15(10), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101729 - 20 May 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3963
Abstract
This study examines housing affordability trends in Central Europe, focusing on the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Poland, in the wake of recent global disruptions including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021–2022 energy crisis, and the war in Ukraine. These events have intensified housing [...] Read more.
This study examines housing affordability trends in Central Europe, focusing on the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Poland, in the wake of recent global disruptions including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021–2022 energy crisis, and the war in Ukraine. These events have intensified housing affordability challenges by driving up property prices, rental costs, and energy expenses. Using data from December 2022 to March 2023, the paper analyzes wage levels relative to housing costs in major cities—Prague, Brno, Bratislava, Vienna, Graz, Warsaw, and Kraków—through price-to-income and rent-to-income ratios. The findings reveal that affordability is most strained in Czech cities, particularly Prague, where property prices outpace wages, while Vienna demonstrates better affordability due to higher average incomes. The study integrates real estate platform data with official statistics and employs spatial mapping and exploratory econometric testing to identify affordability patterns and disparities. It concludes that affordability outcomes are shaped by wage dynamics, housing supply constraints, migration pressures, and policy responses. The study underscores the importance of targeted housing policies and wage interventions to address these challenges and highlights the need for cross-country policy learning and regional coordination to improve housing affordability and market resilience across Central Europe. Full article
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30 pages, 1882 KB  
Article
AI-Driven Digital Twins for Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality and Energy Efficiency in Smart Building Systems
by Ibrahim Yitmen, Amjad Almusaed, Muaz Hussein and Asaad Almssad
Buildings 2025, 15(7), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15071030 - 24 Mar 2025
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4520
Abstract
Smart buildings equipped with diverse control systems serve the objectives of gathering data, optimizing energy efficiency (EE), and detecting and diagnosing faults, particularly in the domain of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Digital twins (DTs) offering an environmentally sustainable solution for managing facilities and [...] Read more.
Smart buildings equipped with diverse control systems serve the objectives of gathering data, optimizing energy efficiency (EE), and detecting and diagnosing faults, particularly in the domain of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Digital twins (DTs) offering an environmentally sustainable solution for managing facilities and incorporated with artificial intelligence (AI) create opportunities for maintaining IEQ and optimizing EE. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of AI-driven DTs on enhancing IEQ and EE in smart building systems (SBS). A scoping review was performed to establish the theoretical background about DTs, AI, IEQ, and SBS, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the specialists in the industry to obtain qualitative data, and quantitative data were gathered via a computerized self-administered questionnaire (CSAQ) survey, focusing on how DTs can improve IEQ and EE in SBS. The results indicate that the AI-driven DT enhances occupants’ comfort and energy-efficiency performance and enables decision-making on automatic fault detection and maintenance conditioning to improve buildings’ serviceability and IEQ in real time, in response to the key industrial needs in building energy management systems (BEMS) and interrogative and predictive analytics for maintenance. The integration of AI with DT presents a transformative approach to improving IEQ and EE in SBS. The practical implications of this advancement span across design, construction, AI, and policy domains, offering significant opportunities and challenges that need to be carefully considered. Full article
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32 pages, 13199 KB  
Article
Viscoelastic and Fatigue Performance of Modified Bitumen Using Polymer and Bio-Based Additives: A Comparative Study
by Ali Almusawi, Shvan Tahir Nasraldeen, Mustafa Albdairi and Hussein H Norri
Buildings 2025, 15(3), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030306 - 21 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2087
Abstract
This study investigates the performance and viscoelastic characteristics of unmodified and modified bitumen using Performance Grading, Frequency Sweep, and Linear Amplitude Sweep tests. The bitumen modifications include styrene-butadiene–styrene at 4% and 5%, animal bone powder at concentrations of 4%, 5%, and 6%, and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the performance and viscoelastic characteristics of unmodified and modified bitumen using Performance Grading, Frequency Sweep, and Linear Amplitude Sweep tests. The bitumen modifications include styrene-butadiene–styrene at 4% and 5%, animal bone powder at concentrations of 4%, 5%, and 6%, and waste cooking oil at 3%, 4%, and 5%. Performance Grading tests were conducted to evaluate the high-temperature performance of bitumen samples. Frequency Sweep tests were used to analyze the complex shear modulus and phase angle, providing insights into stiffness and elasticity. The Linear Amplitude Sweep tests assessed fatigue resistance by monitoring the degradation of the complex shear modulus under cyclic loading. Styrene-butadiene–styrene and animal bone powder significantly enhanced stiffness, elasticity, and fatigue resistance, with styrene-butadiene–styrene-modified samples achieving the highest performance grades and fatigue resistance. Waste cooking oil-modified bitumen reduces stiffness and fatigue resistance, indicating it primarily acts as a plasticizer. Styrene-butadiene–styrene and animal bone powder are effective modifiers for improving bitumen’s mechanical and fatigue properties and are suitable for demanding applications. In contrast, waste cooking oil compromises structural performance despite its environmental benefits, making it less suitable for high-performance use. Full article
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26 pages, 1172 KB  
Systematic Review
Towards Sustainable Construction in China: A Systematic Review of Barriers to Offsite Methods
by Mahmoud Alhawamdeh and Angela Lee
Buildings 2025, 15(18), 3299; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15183299 - 12 Sep 2025
Viewed by 715
Abstract
Offsite construction (OSC) has been increasingly promoted as a solution for a more sustainable construction industry. This method enhances the performance and efficiency of the construction industry by improving time and cost planning, health and safety, enhanced construction quality, and fostering a more [...] Read more.
Offsite construction (OSC) has been increasingly promoted as a solution for a more sustainable construction industry. This method enhances the performance and efficiency of the construction industry by improving time and cost planning, health and safety, enhanced construction quality, and fostering a more environmentally sustainable built environment. China’s Fourteenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) mandates that at least 30% of new homes be constructed using OSC techniques by 2025, with the target of achieving 100% by 2035. With such a scalable challenge, this systematic research aims to identify and classify OSC adoption barriers, whether modular, volumetric, or panelised construction, by synthesising existing research studies. Through the analysis of 48 research articles published from 2013 to 2023, the review identifies key barriers hindering OSC adoption in China. The five most frequent barriers are as follows: lack of skills and expertise in OSC within organisations, absence of design codes and national standards for prefabrication, poor cooperation and integration among stakeholders in the supply chain, immature regulatory systems, and complexity in OSC project management. Trends in barrier prevalence by publication year are also discussed to highlight changes in research focus and to inform recommendations for future work that could support greater uptake of OSC in China. Full article
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