Industrial Energy Efficiency and Circular Economy for Net-Zero Built Environments

Background: A transformative shift in both industrial production and the built environment is required to achieve global net-zero emission targets. The construction sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, which is driven by energy-intensive material production. Recent advances in industrial energy efficiency and circular-economy practices offer promising opportunities to reduce environmental impacts throughout the building lifecycle. Waste-derived materials, industrial by-products, and bio-based binders are increasingly being explored as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. In addition, emerging technologies such as waste-to-energy conversion, carbon capture utilisation, low-energy manufacturing processes, and digital optimisation are enabling industries to transition toward more sustainable operations. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain in integrating industrial energy efficiency strategies with sustainable material development and large-scale construction practices. This Research aims to bring interdisciplinary studies exploring industrial energy efficiency, waste valorisation, and low-carbon construction materials to accelerate the transition toward net-zero built environments.Goal:Energy-intensive industrial processes continue to contribute significantly to global carbon emissions. Without innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency and promote circular resource utilisation, achieving net-zero targets within the industrial arena will remain difficult. This Research seeks to address the critical need for integrating industrial energy efficiency with sustainable material innovation and circular economy strategies. One promising pathway is the utilisation of industrial by-products and waste streams as alternative raw materials in materials production. In addition to alternative materials, improvements in industrial energy systems, such as waste heat recovery, renewable energy integration, digital process optimisation, and advanced manufacturing technologies, offer further opportunities to reduce energy use across construction supply chains. The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers and practitioners to explore innovative solutions that enhance industrial energy efficiency. It will also support the development of low-carbon construction materials and technologies. Emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary research that combines material science, energy engineering, environmental assessment, and construction management. Ultimately, the objective is to support the global transition toward resilient, energy-efficient, and net-zero built environments.Scope:This Research Topic invites original research, review articles, and case studies that address innovations to improve industrial energy efficiency and promote the circular economy. Manuscripts may include experimental investigations, numerical modelling, techno-economic analyses, pilot-scale demonstrations, and policy or industry case studies that contribute to the development of low-carbon and energy-efficient industrial practices.Relevant themes include, but are not limited to:1. Low-energy and cement-free binders development using industrial by-products 2. Waste valorisation as innovative materials 3. Bio-based and microbial binders for applications4. Energy-efficient manufacturing processes 5. Industrial symbiosis and circular economy approaches 6. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental impact evaluation 7. Embodied energy and carbon reduction strategies 8. Waste-to-energy integration 9. Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) 10. Digital optimisation and smart manufacturing Topic editors: Inji Kenawy, Quddus Tushar Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79708/industrial-energy-efficiency-and-circular-economy-for-net-zero-built-environments