Toward sustainable futures: optimizing building energy consumption for a greener built environment

The world is undergoing rapid transformation, particularly in terms of population growth, which has significant implications for energy consumption and sustainability. Projections indicate that existing primary energy sources may be depleted within the next century, underscoring the urgent need to enhance energy efficiency in the built environment. Buildings, as one of the largest consumers of energy, contribute substantially to global energy demand. As cities expand and populations rise, energy efficiency in buildings becomes even more critical to achieving sustainable development. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasise the importance of “Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11),” reinforcing the necessity of reducing energy consumption through innovative strategies and technologies.

This topical Research Topic brings together pioneering research that offers novel approaches for optimising energy use in buildings, integrating digital tools, improving architectural education, and enhancing sustainability in school environments. The studies presented here provide practical solutions and insights for advancing energy efficiency in the built environment.