In light of global challenges, such as global warming, and the sudden increase in the demand and cost of fossil fuels, governments around the world have increasingly recognized the intensity and severity of the issue and identified reducing demand and dependency on imported energy and efficient energy consumption as a top priority. For the AEC/FM sector, this translates to capacity development in areas of buildings’ energy consumption and production. Strategies and procedures in these areas are concerned with energy load reduction, energy consumption reduction, energy monitoring and management, use of decarbonized sources of energy, fuel switching, renewable energy generation, carbon neutral and net zero energy design, building lifecycle energy analysis, and air quality enhancements, among others.
The forthcoming COP 28 presents an excellent opportunity for global collaboration to critically examine the building energy potential and challenges, discuss emerging problems and solutions, and shape future research, innovation, and policies. It offers a great chance to consider novel approaches for improving energy efficiency, mitigating climate change impacts, and enhancing building design, materials, technologies, construction methods, and operational performance. Research, practice, and policy in energy management needs to combine multiple disciplines and areas to discuss informed choices and regulations with a focus on providing the energy-efficient building with reduced/eliminated carbon footprint. This necessitates a paradigm shift that integrates cost, time, and quality considerations with those of the economy, environment, and society. There is accordingly an inherent need to bring together research academics, industry professionals, and policymakers in various methodical, cultural, social, and organizational evidence-based approaches, to ensure the development of strategies and methods for tackling energy challenges.
This special issue addresses significant research questions related to the development, design, and management of sustainable buildings. It spans various areas, including the best practices of renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, implementing innovation for effective energy management in the buildings sector, and the promotion of policies and regulations of energy management. The primary areas of interest of this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:
• Design and operation of neutral/zero carbon buildings
• Optimized design methods and innovations in energy management systems.
• Responsible sourcing for building construction
• Contemporary technologies and innovation in buildings
• Role of digital transition in the achievement of sustainable objectives in building activities and processes
• Advanced building energy modelling and simulations.
• Renewable energy utilization and consumption.
• Building Lifecycle Management in design, processing, construction, use, refurbishment, and demolition
• Air quality enhancement and Indoor thermal, acoustic, and visual comfort.
• Contemporary barriers and potential approaches to investing in energy efficiency.
• Role of project management and construction practices in influencing sustainable buildings and the role of decision-makers in the selection of energy-related projects.
• Professional ethics and ethical concerns in energy efficiency and sustainable development
• Application of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards and measurement tools
• Economic, Social, and Ecological Aspects in energy management
