Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focusses on why, how, who, and what is needed to transform our building stock in the light of climate, economic, and social change. Buildings contribute significantly to carbon emissions, particularly in developed countries, where stock is often old and/or performs poorly. It is not possible or desirable to demolish and rebuild, nor is it possible to claim that climate change is not happening; it is, and at much faster rates than previously predicted. Consequently, the language we use has changed to that of ‘climate emergency, climate catastrophe, and the need for environmental and social resilience. As existing buildings cannot be replaced in the short-term by new zero carbon stock, sustainable adaptation of existing building stock is both vital and urgent.

This Special Issue covers why and how the improvement of buildings requires a complex, holistic approach that brings all stakeholders together with respect and understanding. Yet our time frame for effective action is limited. If our experience of the last 30 plus years is anything to go by, progress is possible, but much more effective action is essential. This Special Issue identifies and analyzes some of what must be done, explores how it could be achieved, and sets out actions for stakeholders: from policy makers, to educationalists, designers, constructors, investors, funders and occupiers. Bringing authors from across various disciplines, our purpose is to stimulate dialogue and debate within policy, practice, and education circles which lead to effective and timely change.

Prof. Dr. Sara Wilkinson
Dr. Hilde Remøy
Prof. Dr. Sarah Sayce
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Sustainability 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 2400 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.

• resilience
• climate emergency
• building adaptation
• circular economy
• sustainability
• retrofit
• refurbishment