Green Building Materials for Net-Zero Construction
A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 14
Special Issue Editor
Interests: low-carbon technology; sustainability; cement; mortar; concrete; bricks; blocks; geopolymers; green building; soil stabilization; suppression of expansion; freezing and thawing; waste utilization; microstructural analysis; life cycle inventory; ground granulated blast furnace slag; pulverized fuel ash; silica fume; geopolymer cement; geopolymer concrete; geopolymer mortar; masonry; unfired clay
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The global building and construction sector is undergoing a critical transformation as nations strive to meet mid-century Net-Zero emissions targets. Currently, the sector is responsible for approximately 35% of global energy consumption, 38% of energy-related carbon emissions, and nearly 50% of worldwide resource extraction. With the total built environment projected to double in area by 2060, the environmental implications of continuing along a resource-intensive trajectory are profound. Achieving Net-Zero goals requires more than operational energy efficiency; it demands a systemic shift in the materials that form the foundation of buildings. Traditional construction materials—particularly cement, steel, and ceramics—are characterized by high embodied energy, significant greenhouse gas emissions, and substantial depletion of natural resources. As such, the development, assessment, and deployment of green, low-carbon, and circular building materials represent some of the most urgent research frontiers in sustainable construction.
This Special Issue aims to consolidate diverse research perspectives and practical approaches to green building materials for Net-Zero construction. It will critically examine emerging methodologies, smart materials, and advanced techniques that enhance energy efficiency, reduce waste, and promote green practices. Furthermore, the issue seeks to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, engineers, and practitioners, bridging gaps between theory and application. By presenting cutting-edge developments and alternative solutions, the contributions will support the evolution of green building practices and inform future research directions. Ultimately, this collection aspires to advance the discourse on green building materials for Net-Zero construction, driving progress toward environmentally responsible and resource-efficient building systems.
Dr. Jonathan Oti
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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
- geopolymers
- bio-cement
- carbon-sequestering composites
- timber innovations
- bamboo
- hempcrete
- mycelium composites
- recycled and upcycled construction resources
- within-circular-economy frameworks
- life-cycle assessment
- durability
- structural performance
- net-zero material
- eco-friendly materials
- cement
- concrete
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