Indoor Comfort, Energy Efficiency and Solutions to Sustainable Built Environment
A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 9
Special Issue Editor
Interests: energy efficiency; thermal comfort; indoor air quality; sustainability
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
A global approach that balances energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and ecological responsibility is required for the sustainable transformation of the built environment. Buildings account for a significant proportion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and they are also the primary environments in which people live, work and interact. Therefore, achieving sustainable outcomes depends not only on minimising resource use, but also on ensuring that indoor spaces are healthy, comfortable and resilient.
This Special Issue focuses on the intersection of indoor comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainable solutions for the built environment. It showcases innovative strategies and technologies that improve the thermal, acoustic and visual comfort of occupants while reducing energy demand and environmental impact. Topics include passive and active design strategies, the integration of renewable energy systems, advanced insulation and façade technologies, adaptive building envelopes, smart materials and digital tools for monitoring and optimisation.
Particular attention is given to the role of façade systems and envelope design, as these elements are critical to energy performance and occupant well-being. Comparative analyses of traditional versus ecological solutions, life-cycle assessments and cost–benefit approaches emphasise the importance of selecting materials and methods that align with the principles of the circular economy. Furthermore, the Special Issue addresses regulatory frameworks such as the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which sets ambitious targets for nearly zero-energy and zero-emission buildings.
By combining technical, environmental, and social perspectives, the contributions aim to advance knowledge and provide actionable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The goal is to foster a sustainable built environment that mitigates climate change and enhances quality of life.
Dr. António José Candeias Curado
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- indoor comfort
- energy efficiency
- sustainable building design
- building envelopes and façades
- passive and active strategies
- renewable energy integration
- life-cycle assessment (LCA)
- zero-energy and zero-emission buildings
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