Smart and Innovative Solutions for a Net-Zero Built Environment

Smart And Innovative Solutions for a Net-Zero Built Environment brings together research findings from various scholars around the globe to introduce smart and innovative solutions to achieve a net-zero built environment at different phases of a built asset’s lifecycle. It probes into various Industry 4.0 solutions that aim at reducing embodied carbon in multiple construction supply chains. Innovative design approaches, such as smart home designs and 3D printed houses, are introduced as net-zero carbon solutions within this book. Effective use of building information modelling (BIM) with systematic integration of other smart technologies is proposed as a solution for carbon reduction in design and construction phases. To reduce operational carbon in the use phase, the book delves into digital twin applications and their meaningful integration with global standards. The book further embarks on different Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools to unlock their possibilities in carbon reduction throughout different phases of built assets. The introduction of digital passports by integrating BIM, blockchain, and IoT technologies to achieve smart circularity offers a sustainable net-zero solution beyond the end-of life of built assets to next-use phases.

Overall, the book aims to bring together leading-edge smart solutions that consider both embodied and operational carbon reduction throughout the building lifecycle in its drive to achieve net-zero carbon. It blends cutting-edge research, innovative solutions, and insightful perspectives from global scholars to offer a detailed understanding of the role of technology in net-zero carbon initiatives within the construction industry. The book unveils smart strategies, innovative technologies, and visionary approaches to achieve a net-zero built environment. The target audience for this book are professionals in the construction industry, sustainability experts, educators, and students engaged in the fields of architecture, engineering, construction, and sustainable programs. Readers will advance their knowledge of how smart technologies can be strategically leveraged to achieve a net-zero built environment towards a sustainable future.

Sepani Senaratne is an Associate Professor at the School of Built Environment and Design at Western Sydney University, where she currently holds the position of School Director for Learning and Teaching. She is also Deputy Directorof Research at the Research Centre for Smart Modern Construction (c4SMC). Further, she jointly coordinates CIB W124 working commission on “Near Zero and Circular Built Environment” and works with global researchers to promote decarbonisation and circular practices in construction. Sepani has diverse academic experience in quantity surveying, construction, and project management disciplines for over 20 years, serving as an academic in reputed universities in the UK, Sri Lanka, and Australia. She is an active researcher and has published over 200 papers in leading journals and conferences. Her major research contribution is in the Built Environment with specific research interests in Project Management in Construction, Smart and Digital Construction, Sustainable Construction, and Circular Economy in construction.

Niluka Domingo is an Associate Professor at the School of Built Environment at Massey University, New Zealand, where she currently serves as the Research Director. She brings extensive academic and industry experience gained in the UK, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand, with expertise in quantity surveying and construction management. Her teaching and research focus on sustainable construction, decarbonisation, construction waste management, circular economy, and construction economics, with a particular interest in integrating sustainability and carbon-conscious practices into construction cost management. Niluka is a Member of the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (MNZIQS) and actively contributes to the profession through the NZIQS Carbon Accounting Working Group and the Research Committee. She also serves as the Lead Coordinator of CIB W124 – Near Zero and Circular Built Environment, collaborating with international researchers to promote innovation and knowledge sharing in sustainable built environment practices. Her work supports the transition of the construction industry toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and more sustainable future.

Srinath Perera serves as Chair Professor of Built Environment and Construction Management and is the founding Director of the Centre for Smart Modern Construction (C4SMC) at Western Sydney University, Australia. He currently serves as President of the Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA) and is a Board Member and Chair of the Future Leaders Committee of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB). He is Editor-in-Chief of Construction Innovation (Q1) and Specialty Editor-in-Chief of Frontiers in Blockchain (Industry), and a Chief Investigator on multiple Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Hubs and Training Centres. A Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales and the Australian Institute of Building, Professor Perera has over 35 years of experience in academia and industry. A pioneer in construction informatics, his work integrates AI and digital technologies into sustainable construction. He has authored over 400 publications and is recognised among the top 2% scientists.