From Design to Operation: The Role of Green Buildings in Realizing Global Sustainability Targets

Green building practices are increasingly recognized as a powerful driver for realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By introducing innovative approaches to design, construction, and operational management, green buildings help optimize resource use, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the health and well-being of occupants and communities. This Article Collection explores the multidimensional role of green buildings as they intersect with critical sustainability targets—including energy efficiency (SDG 7), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).Scope and AimsThe collection aims to advance understanding of how green buildings contribute to the progress of the SDGs by serving as a platform for new research, case studies, and critical reviews. Major themes include:o Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization:Exploration of cutting-edge technologies, design strategies, and retrofit solutions that minimize energy use and associated emissions, from passive architecture to smart energy management systems.o Sustainable Urban Development:Integration of green buildings into urban planning, with a focus on creating resilient, inclusive, and healthy cities. Topics may include mixed-use developments, green infrastructure, and neighborhood-scale sustainability strategies.o Policy Frameworks and Governance:Examination of policies, incentives, certification systems (e.g., LEED, BREEAM), and regulatory mechanisms that promote or hinder the uptake of sustainable building practices globally or locally.o Responsible Consumption, Lifecycle & Circular Economy:Assessment of material choices, construction methods, and building lifecycle management addressing waste minimization, recycling, and circularity.o Socio-Economic Impacts:Investigation of broader benefits such as job creation, improved public health outcomes, energy cost savings, and social equity.Submission ThemesWe invite interdisciplinary contributions in areas including, but not limited to:o Innovative green construction materials and techniqueso Digital technologies and data-driven approaches (e.g., BIM, IoT) in green building design and monitoringo Lifecycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle costing (LCC) of sustainable buildingso Performance evaluation and post-occupancy studieso Policy analysis and recommendations for accelerating green building adoptiono Comparative studies of green building standards and their effectivenesso Case studies demonstrating real-world impacts and lessons learnedSubmissions may take the form of original research articles, review papers, perspective articles, or case studies.ImpactThis Article Collection aims to:o Foster interdisciplinary dialogue among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholderso Identify barriers and effective strategies in the implementation of green building solutionso Provide actionable insights to guide decision-makers toward ambitious climate and sustainability objectiveso Accelerate the transformation of the built environment in alignment with the SDGsBy sharing state-of-the-art knowledge and practical experiences, this collection will contribute to bridging the gap between green building innovation and broad, scalable adoption for a sustainable future. Topic editors: Wen Baohua, Chiu Chuen Onn Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/72659/from-design-to-operation-the-role-of-green-buildings-in-realizing-global-sustainability-targets