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Application and Characterization of Metamodels based on Artificial Neural Networks for Building Performance Simulation: A Systematic Review
As the global demand for energy-efficient buildings grows, traditional simulation tools are becoming too slow to keep up with the complexity of sustainable design. This research presents a comprehensive review of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) as a high-speed solution for Building Performance Simulation (BPS). By acting…
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Towards Circular and more Sustainable Buildings: A Systematic Literature Review on the Circular Economy in the Built Environment
This comprehensive review of over 300 academic papers provides a clear map of how the built environment is transitioning toward a Circular Economy (CE). While the research confirms a global shift toward circular thinking (particularly in Europe and China) it also exposes a significant gap: most…
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Smart Eco-City Strategies and Solutions for Sustainability: The Cases of Royal Seaport, Stockholm, and Western Harbor, Malmö, Sweden
This research evaluates the “Eco-City” district as a primary response to the global challenges of sustainable development, focusing on twon landmark Swedish cases: Royal Seaport (Stockholm) and Western Harbor (Malmö). The study identifies that successful sustainable urbanism relies on the synergy of three core pillars: Design,…
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A Bibliometric Review of Research on Sustainable Construction, 1994–2018
How did we get from simple recycling to the complex “Smart Cities” of nowadays? This bibliometric study provides a bird’s-eye view of the entire global body of research on Sustainable Construction from 1994 to 2018. By analyzing thousands of academic papers, the authors demonstrate that the…
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Simulation Optimisation Towards Energy Efficient Green Buildings: Current Status and Future Trends
While computer simulation has long been used to predict building energy use, this research highlights an evolution toward integrated optimization. By critically reviewing existing studies, the authors identify a growing trend of using machine learning and parametric modeling to automate the search for sustainable design solutions.…
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Production of Sustainable Construction Materials Using Agro-Wastes
The construction industry is under intense pressure to reconcile rapid urbanization with the urgent need to protect dwindling natural resources. This research identifies agro-waste—specifically the ashes and fibers from crops like rice, sugarcane, and bamboo—as a potent alternative for developing sustainable building materials. By reviewing the…
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Enhancing the Circular Economy with Nature-Based Solutions in the Built Urban Environment: Green Building Materials, Systems and Sites
Can we design cities that function like forest? This research makes the case for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as the “missing link” in our transition to a circular economy. By moving away from synthetic, linear materials and embracing biocomposites and vegetated building systems, we can create urban…
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Design for Deconstruction Using a Circular Economy Approach: Barriers and Strategies for Improvement
While the circular economy offers a clear path to sustainability, the construction industry faces a significant “implementation gap” when it comes to Design for Deconstruction (DfD). This study identifies 26 specific barriers—ranging from weak legislation to a lack of effective digital tools—that keep the industry stuck…
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Circular Economy Strategies for Adaptive Reuse of Cultural Heritage Buildings to Reduce Environmental Impacts
The “greenest” building is sometimes the one that has remained after many years. This research explores how Circular Economy strategies can breathe new life into abandoned or underutilized cultural heritage buildings, transforming them from relics of the past into facilitator for a sustainable future. By focusing…
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Life Cycle Environmental Impact Assessment to Manage and Optimize Construction Waste using Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Can we stop construction waste before it even happens? Most waste management strategies focus on what to do with a building once it’s demolished, but this research argues that we need to start tracking waste from the begining, esentially from the planing stage. By developing a…
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Social Criteria of Sustainable Development in Relation to Green Building Assessment Tools
Buildings are for people, yet we often fail to quantify its human impact. This research aims to address the “social blind spot” of green assessment tools, aiming to bring human-centric perspective into the core of construction. By identifying the key social factors (from indoor air quality…
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The Triple Bottom Line and Sustainable Economic Development Theory and Practice
The concept of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) challenges us to redefine success by equally weighing economic, environmental, and social value. While this framework is essential to the broader conversation on sustainability, it has surprisingly received very little formal attention within the specific field of economic…
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Transitions to Democracy in Southern and Eastern Europe
Proposal: Values that Unite Us: Transitions to Democracy in Southern and Eastern Europe Keywords: Democracy, Democratic transition, Gender, Democratic engagement and civic participation, Extremism, Raising awareness of children and/or young people, European Values; Eastern transition to democracy; Southern transition to democracy Objective: This project aims to…
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A Literature Review of Sustainable Building Research: Bibliometric Analysis from 2015–2025
The conversation around sustainable building is no longer just about adding solar panels; it has evolved into a complex, high-tech landscape that touches everything from the molecules in our concrete to the algorithms managing our thermostats. This recent 2025 study provides a bird’s-eye view of this…
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Building Sustainable Smart Cities for Energy Efficiency and CO2 Emission Reduction: Insights from Europe
As we look toward a future where more than 70% of global CO2 emissions come from our urban centers, the pressure to redesign how cities function has never been higher. This research explores the “Sustainable Smart City” (SSC) as a vital framework for breaking our dependence…
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Innovative Insulation Materials: A Comprehensive Review of Current Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions in Sustainable Building Technologies
The quest for the perfect building envelope has moved far beyond simple foam or fiberglass; it is now at the cutting edge of material science and digital manufacturing. This research redefines how we should view insulation, shifting the focus from mere energy conservation to a “quadruple-bottom-line”…
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Facilitating Construction 5.0 for Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Buildings: Opportunities and Challenges for Implementation
While we are still adjusting to the digital shift of “Construction 4.0,” a new frontier has already emerged: Construction 5.0. This evolution represents a shift in philosophy, moving beyond mere automation to prioritize a harmonious collaboration between advanced technology and human well-being. This research explores the…
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EU Ambassadors for European Remembrance
Proposal: Understanding of European integration and its societal impacts Keywords: European identity, Inter-cultural dialogue, Democracy, Democratic transition, Youth Objective: This project endeavours to counteract the growing influence of nationalist policy movements and educate young Europeans on the EU by bridging historical narratives with contemporary challenges, focusing…
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Transitions to Democracy of the Southern European Countries
Proposal: The international factor in the transitions to democracy of the southern European countries Keywords: Democratic transition, EU accession, European identity, Rule of law, Political systems and institutions, Governance, Reconciliation, EU values; Human Rights; Fighting populism Objective: Spain, Portugal and Greece joined the European Communities during…
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Empowering Young People to Combat Anti-Semitism
Proposal: Empowering young people to combat anti-Semitism and promoting inclusive Holocaust histories for a peaceful Europe through living libraries Keywords: Holocaust, Combatting Anti-Semitism, Youth, Europe in a changing world Objective: The project addresses the lack of historical knowledge about the Holocaust and World War II, particularly…
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Sustainable Energy Development and Sustainable Economic Development in EU Countries
Is it possible to have a sustainable economy without first having a sustainable energy system? This research addresses a critical gap in economic theory by mapping the direct correlation between energy and economic development across the EU. Using data from 2014 to 2021, the study demonstrates…
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Sustainable Adaptive Reuse Strategy Evaluation for Cultural Heritage Buildings
We often view historical buildings as relics to be frozen in time, but in the context of a sustainable future, these structures are actually some of our most strategic assets. This research investigates the concept of adaptive reuse—the process of giving old structures new life through…
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Youth DemocrAID
Proposal: Education, Debate, Action Keywords: Promoting democratic participation through debating the future of Europe, Citizenship education, democratic life, youth empowerment, youth debate, youth engagement, active citizenship Objective: In a rapidly evolving world, active and informed citizenship is paramount for the health of any democracy. However, recent…
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Catalysts for Sustainable Energy Transitions: The Interplay Between Financial Development, Green Technological Innovations, and Environmental Taxes in European Nations
Policy without data is just guesswork. This research provides a data-driven look at how European nations can accelerate their shift away from fossil fuels by managing a “Golden Triangle” of drivers: Financial Development, Green Innovation, and Strategic Growth. Using advanced FMOLS and DOLS modeling, the authors…
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The Role of Environmental Regulations, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency in Finding the Path to Green Economic Growth
Do strict environmental laws help or hurt the economy? This research examines 20 years of data across the European Union to find the answer. By using the Global Malmquist–Luenberger index, the study measures “Green Economic Growth”—a metric that counts GDP gains while “penalizing” for carbon emissions.…
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Greenfield Investment as a Catalyst of Green Economic Growth
If we want to stop depleting our planet’s resources while still growing our economies, we need to rethink where our money goes. This research investigates the power of “Greenfield” investments—building new, sustainable infrastructure from the floor up—as the ultimate catalyst for green growth. By analyzing EU…
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Embodied Energy in Existing Buildings as a Tool for Sustainable Intervention on Urban Heritage
As we shift our focus toward a truly circular economy, we are discovering that the “greenest” building might not be the one with the most solar panels, but the one that already exists. This research dives into the critical, yet often overlooked, concept of embodied energy—the…
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Is Europe on the Way to Sustainable Development? Compatibility of Green Environment, Economic Growth, and Circular Economy Issues
This research dives into the complex “three-way” relationship between environmental health, economic growth, and the circular economy across 31 European nations. Covering the decade from 2009 to 2020, the study investigates a critical paradox: how can we keep our economies growing (GDP) without drowning in the…
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Towards Digital Twin Driven Cultural Heritage Management: A HBIM-Based Workflow for Energy Improvement of Modern Buildings
Europe’s historic skyline presents a unique challenge: how do we drag buildings from the 1920s into the 2020s without losing their architectural soul? This research tackles the “modernization dilemma” facing asset managers who must meet strict energy-efficiency regulations while preserving the identity of listed buildings. The…
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Masonry in the Context of Sustainable Buildings: A Review of the Brick Role in Architecture
Is the secret to the sustainable future hidden in our prehistoric past? This research takes us on a journey from ancient dry-stone walss to modern brick constructions, proving that masonry remains the “gold standard” for sustainable structures. Far from being a relic of history, brick and…
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The Relationship Between Economic Growth and CO2 Emissions in EU Countries: A Cointegration Analysis
Can we grow our economies without warming the planet? This research explores the long-term relationship between GDP and carbon emissions across the European Union. Using advanced statistical modeling, the authors reveal that while the EU is making progress, every 1% of economic growth still carries a…
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Economic Sustainable Development Goals: Assessments and Perspectives in Europe
This study provides a rigorous ranking of 27 European nations based on their ability to balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. By analyzing 35 specific indicators across the five “economic” Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12), the researchers utilized a…
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In Search of a Financial Model for a Sustainable Economy
Traditional financial models often treat money as a neutral tool, but in a world facing climate change, the “financial sphere” must evolve to support the “real sphere.” This research explores how sustainable finance acts as the glue that binds these two worlds together. By examining the…
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Green Deal, Green Growth and Green Economy as a Means of Support for Attaining the Sustainable Development Goals
Is a “Green Economy” just a buzzword, or a viable roadmap for our future? This research peels back the layers of contemporary environmental economics to define what it truly means to “green” our global processes. By synthesizing indicators from the world’s leading economic institutions—from the World…
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The Key to Sustainable Economic Development: A Triple Bottom Line Approach
Does protecting the planet have to come at the cost of the economy? This study explores the “Triple Bottom Line”—the idea that a country’s success depends on the harmony of social, environmental, and economic factors. By analyzing data from OECD countries over 14 years, the research…
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Geopolymer Concrete as Green Building Materials: Recent Applications, Sustainable Development and Circular Economy Potentials
Traditional concrete is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, creating an urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives. This systematic review identifies Geopolymer Concrete (GeoC) as a superior “green” material that leverages diverse industrial and agricultural wastes as its primary ingredients. The research demonstrates that GeoC…
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A Review on Integration of Renewable Energy Processes in Vapor Absorption Chiller for Sustainable Cooling
Traditional cooling systems are notorious energy consumers, but as cities grapple with rising temperatures, the shift toward Vapor Absorption Chillers (VAC) is proving to be a game-changer for large-scale sustainable cooling. Unlike standard air conditioners that rely on electricity-hungry compressors, VACs use heat to drive the…
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Macroeconomic Stability and Transport Company’s Sustainable Development in the Eastern European Union
Can a transport company go green in an unstable economy? This research argues that the answer is largely “no.” For transport firms in Eastern Europe, macroeconomic stability is the single most important predictor of sustainable growth. Using the “Pentagon of Stability”—which tracks everything from inflation to…
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Building Information Modelling and Building Sustainability Assessment: A Review
As we strive for a more sustainable built environment, the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is emerging as a powerful tool for streamlining how we measure and certify a building’s green credentials. This research explores the synergy between digital modeling and Building Sustainability Assessment (BSA),…
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Economic Development of the European Union in the Relation of Sustainable Development—Taxonomic Analysis
Is the European Union becoming more unified or more divided in its quest for sustainability? This research utilizes advanced taxonomic methods to analyze the economic development of 27 EU member states through the lens of the Sustainable Development concept. By comparing data from 2014 and 2019,…
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Green Finance Gap in Green Buildings: A Scoping Review and Future Research Needs
The global transition to green buildings is currently stalled by a significant lack of investment. This research provides a first-of-its-kind map of Green Finance within the building sector, concluding that while the tools to fund sustainable construction exist, they are severely underutilized. The study explicitly states…
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Building Envelopes Toward Energy‐Efficient Buildings: A Balanced Multi‐Approach Decision Making
Designing zero-energy buildings in developing countries is a significant challenge due to a lack of viable techniques and the high cost of energy-saving investments. This research addresses this gap by evaluating retrofitting strategies for institutional buildings across three distinct hot climate zones in Egypt. By using…
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Review of Urban Building Energy Modeling (UBEM) Approaches, Methods and Tools using Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
How can city planners predict the energy needs of thousands of buildings at one? This research reviews the urban building energy modeling as a possible solution, a methodology that allows for large-scale energy estimation and policy testing. By performing a SWOT analysis on current tools, methods…
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Implementing Circular Economy Strategies in Buildings—From Theory to Practice
How do we stop buildings from becoming the landfills of tomorrow? This research explores the transition of the construction industry from a linear “take-make-waste” model to an innovative Circular Economic model to addres the practical gap: how to transform buildings from temporary structures to permanent “banks”…
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Sustainable Material Choice for Construction Projects: A Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Framework based on BIM and Fuzzy-AHP
Sustainability in construction is often misunderstood as a purely environment goal, neglecting the vital social and economic dimensions of a project. This research addresses this gap by proposing a decision-making framework that allows construction professionals to evaluate material choices through a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA).…
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Sustainability in Building and Construction within the Framework of Circular Cities and European New Green Deal – The Contribution of Concrete Recycling
Can we build our way to carbon neutrality? According to this research, the answer lies in reimagining the lifecycle of our most common material: concrete. Within the ambitious framework of the European New Green Deal, this study explores how Eco-design and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can…
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Sustainable Economic Development in Higher Education Institutions: A Global Analysis Within the SDGs Framework
Modern universities face a difficult balancing act: they must remain financially competitive while serving as leaders in the global movement toward sustainability. This research investigates the growth of Sustainable Economic Development (SED) within higher education institutions by analyzing the evolution of scientific research from 1990 to…
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Fundamentals of Building Deconstruction as a Circular Economy Strategy for the Reuse of Construction Materials
Is the end of a building’s life actually an opportunity? This research reframes “deconstruction” as the backbone of a circular urban future. While traditional demolition is fast and cheap, it hides a massive environmental cost in the form of landfill waste and lost resources. By adopting…
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Economic Development Trends in the EU Tourism Industry. Towards the Digitalization Process and Sustainability
This study, “Economic development trends in the EU tourism industry. Towards the digitalization process and sustainability,” addresses the delicate balance between the economic benefits of tourism and its ecological costs. By examining the European Union’s tourism sector through three distinct lenses—Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Sustainable…
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Circular Economy Practices in the Built Environment
We cannot simply build our way out of the climate crisis by replacing old structures with new “green” ones. This comprehensive review of nearly 300 studies reveals that true urban sustainability lies in the Circular Economy, a system that prioritizes reducing the need for new resources…
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Sustainable and Resilient Construction: Current Status and Future Challenges
The construction industry is at a crossroads. Recognized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a sector that must change, it faces the dual challenge of reducing its massive carbon footprint while simultaneously building structures that can survive an increasingly volatile climate. This editorial…
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Comparison of Environmental Assessment Methods when Reusing Building Components: A Case Study
This research explores the lack of standardized Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools capable of measuring the environmental benefits of reusing building components from demolition sites. By testings six recognized carbon-accounting methodologies (including the Cut-off, End-of-life, and Environmental Footprint methods) on a Swiss case study (Kopfabu Halle…
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The Components of Sustainable Development – A Possible Approach
For decades, we have used Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the ultimate yardstick for progress, but can a single number truly capture the complexity of human survival and well-being? This research explores the three fundamental pillars of a sustainable society—the economic, the ecological, and the human—and…
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Relationship Between Environment and Sustainable Economic Development: A Theoretical Approach to Environmental Problems
While the global pursuit of economic growth has successfully raised living standards for many, it has also pushed our natural resources to a breaking point, creating an urgent dilemma for future generations. This research investigates the essential link between environmental preservation and sustainable development, focusing on…