Low Carbon Building Performance and Sustainability in the Construction Industry

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid urbanization and population growth are driving ever-increasing demand for new infrastructure. These expansions pose significant challenges to sustainability, as they contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. The construction industry, therefore, plays a pivotal role in combating climate change by reducing the carbon footprints of buildings throughout their life cycles. Achieving low-carbon building performance not only involves optimizing design, materials, and operational strategies but also requires collaborative efforts among stakeholders to adopt greener technologies and innovative practices. In pursuit of global carbon neutrality targets and the development of sustainable urban environments, this Topic highlights cutting-edge research on low-carbon building performance, focusing on life cycle assessments, sustainable construction materials, and advanced building technologies. By examining current developments, best practices, and barriers to implementation, we will enhance knowledge and foster the creation of more environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and cost-effective buildings that support a resilient future. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint reduction strategies for buildings;
• Digital technologies and data-driven approaches (e.g., digital twins, IoT) to optimize building performance;
• Renewable energy integration and storage solutions for near-zero or net-zero energy buildings;
• Policy frameworks and stakeholder collaboration to promote low-carbon construction on local and global scales;
• Low-carbon construction methods that minimize embodied energy and enhance sustainability;
• Green building standards and certifications to guide sustainable design and construction;
• AI application, and energy communities.

Prof. Dr. Xiaojuan Li
Prof. Dr. Libiao Bai
Dr. Ruopeng Huang
Topic Editors