Topic Editors

School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
UniSA Online, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia

Sustainable Building Development and Promotion

Abstract submission deadline
31 October 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 December 2026
Viewed by
2520

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The United Nations (UN) is committed to ensuring sustainable global development, aiming to secure a future where economic prosperity, environmental preservation, and social equity coexist harmoniously. Nearly every nation has pledged to support this mission, taking on the responsibility to foster economic growth while simultaneously curbing environmental degradation and ensuring that the benefits of progress are equitably shared across society. However, these goals can sometimes conflict—fossil fuels, for example, have historically been the most cost-effective energy sources but are also the largest contributors to CO2 emissions. As a result, progress towards these sustainable development goals has been uneven. So, what is next? We know that the built environment accounts for over 20% of global pollution, 30% of material consumption, 40% of energy use, and up to 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. Reforming the way we design and construct cities and infrastructure presents significant opportunities to advance sustainability. But there is more to consider. Although countries like the UK are leaders in sustainable construction, their overall impact on global carbon emissions is minimal, with their contributions never exceeding 1%. The same holds for nations such as Australia and Canada. As wealthier countries work towards sustainability, the global impact remains marginal. The challenge intensifies as the global south, comprising mostly of Latin America, Africa, and the majority of Asia, seeks economic advancement. This region is home to over 80% of the world’s population and is experiencing rapid growth. As these countries strive to enhance their economies, they require energy, housing, factories, and infrastructure—just as the developed nations did. While these developments may improve living standards in the short term, they could also exacerbate environmental degradation, potentially undermining the progress made by the wealthier nations. To achieve a truly sustainable future, it is crucial to focus on how the world is built, especially in the global south. However, developing nations often face significant challenges, including limited experience, capital, technology, skills, institutional capacity, and overall capability to build sustainably.

This Topic aims to explore how the economic aspirations of developing nations can be met through the provision of buildings and infrastructure that adhere to world-class sustainability standards. We welcome papers that address, but are not limited to, the following dimensions of international construction:

  • offshore market and project identification, evaluation, and selection;
  • developing market entry modes (licensing, FIFO, branch office, WOS);
  • international alliances and joint ventures, including lead and subcontracting arrangements;
  • contracting arrangements, litigation, and legal risk mitigation;
  • project risks in developing countries (institutional, social, financial, political, etc.);
  • project delivery modes (FIDIC arrangements, design-build, PPP, etc.);
  • value chain activity extent;
  • material, equipment, and skill procurement (local, offshore, hybrid);
  • assessment of contractor and client ‘green’ credentials;
  • sustainable building technology transfer and local technology investment;
  • human resources development (expatriate vs. local hires);
  • management, skilled, and semi-skilled training;
  • national sustainability strategies, policy development, and construction industry transitioning;
  • specific country or project case studies.

In addition to these topics, we encourage the exploration of emerging technologies that can significantly enhance sustainability outcomes, including the following:

  • the role of generative AI tools in optimizing construction processes;
  • virtual reality (VR)/ Augmented Reality (AR) in planning and designing sustainable spaces;
  • the integration of other advanced digital tools to promote efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure environmental stewardship in developing regions.

These innovations hold the potential to transform how we approach sustainable development on a global scale.

Dr. Igor Martek
Dr. Mehdi Amirkhani
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • building
  • construction
  • infrastructure
  • developing countries
  • global south
  • sustainability
  • sustainable construction
  • green building
  • technology transfer
  • developmental economics

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Buildings
buildings
3.1 3.4 2011 15.3 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Designs
designs
- 3.9 2017 21.7 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Energies
energies
3.0 6.2 2008 16.8 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Smart Cities
smartcities
7.0 11.2 2018 28.4 Days CHF 2000 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 6.8 2009 19.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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25 pages, 1351 KiB  
Article
Barriers to Sustainable Building Project Performance in Developing Countries: A Case of Ghana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
by Ali Al-Otaibi, Patrick Aaniamenga Bowan, Aasem Alabdullatief, Majd Albaiz and Mona Salah
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3539; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083539 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 427
Abstract
The global building and construction industry faces increasing challenges related to efficiency, performance, and sustainability, which significantly impact project success, particularly in developing economies. The timely and successful completion of building and construction projects is crucial for economic development; however, various barriers hinder [...] Read more.
The global building and construction industry faces increasing challenges related to efficiency, performance, and sustainability, which significantly impact project success, particularly in developing economies. The timely and successful completion of building and construction projects is crucial for economic development; however, various barriers hinder effective project execution. This study identifies and empirically analyzes the critical barriers affecting building and construction project performance in two developing countries with distinct economic profiles, Ghana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A comprehensive literature review and expert interviews identified fourteen key barriers to project performance, ensuring clarity and technical relevance. Using an empirical questionnaire survey targeting experienced professionals, including contractors, clients, and consultants, the study employed the Relative Importance Index (RII) and Spearman’s correlation analysis to rank and examine the interrelationships between these barriers. The findings reveal that poor communication (RII = 0.831, ranked 1st), project cost and schedule constraints (RII = 0.806, ranked 2nd), and inadequate monitoring and evaluation (RII = 0.786, ranked 3rd) are the most significant barriers to project success in both contexts. These challenges align with global sustainability concerns, particularly Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which emphasize resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development. The study highlights the crucial role of decision makers, regulatory frameworks, and financial planning in overcoming these barriers and enhancing project outcomes. By addressing these constraints, the study provides actionable insights for policymakers, project managers, and industry stakeholders to improve project execution efficiency and foster sustainable building and construction practices. Future research should explore adaptive mitigation strategies and technological innovations that enhance project delivery efficiency in developing economies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Building Development and Promotion)
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20 pages, 25027 KiB  
Article
Study on the Indoor Thermal Environment of Traditional Residences in Southern Jiangsu—A Case Study of Xue Fucheng’s Former Residence, Wuxi City
by Yuanzi Liang, Kexin Wei, Rong Zhu, Ziyang Wang and Yuxiang He
Buildings 2024, 14(12), 4002; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14124002 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 716
Abstract
Traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu are residential buildings characterized by local features that embody climate adaptability principles and reflect ecological wisdom and cultural significance rooted in environmental harmony. On the basis of the inheritance of architectural culture and the development of green design, [...] Read more.
Traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu are residential buildings characterized by local features that embody climate adaptability principles and reflect ecological wisdom and cultural significance rooted in environmental harmony. On the basis of the inheritance of architectural culture and the development of green design, this study aims to explore the scientific and green construction practices of traditional residences, with Xue Fucheng’s Former Residence in Wuxi City as a representative case of southern Jiangsu architecture. By measurement and data analysis, this study investigates the indoor thermal environment of traditional residences, focusing on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and radiant heat. It analyzes the methods and architectural mechanisms employed by traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu to control light, wind, and heat in the living environment. The findings summarize the inheritable experience in green and ecological design of traditional residences in Southern Jiangsu, providing a prudent reference for establishing a green building construction model and technique system with distinct features of Southern Jiangsu. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Building Development and Promotion)
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