About this Research Topic
The discussions around blockchain in the construction industry are still in their early stages, necessitating further exploration in several key areas:
(1) Identifying Potential Applications: There is a need to discover more potential applications of blockchain in construction. Real-world tests and projects are crucial to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing blockchain solutions in various construction scenarios.
(2) Sustainable Blockchain Design: Designing or selecting a sustainable and appropriate type of blockchain for specific construction use cases is essential. Understanding how to match the characteristics of blockchain with the unique requirements of construction processes will be pivotal in maximizing its benefits.
(3) Integration with State-of-the-Art Technologies: Exploring the integration of blockchain with other cutting-edge technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML), will pave the way for a sustainable and intelligent future in construction. Understanding how these technologies can complement and enhance each other is critical for fostering innovation.
(4) Contribution to Carbon Neutrality: Considering the urgent need to achieve carbon neutrality, exploring how blockchain can contribute to carbon monitoring, tracking, and accounting is vital. Blockchain's inherent capabilities of transparency and immutability can facilitate effective carbon management strategies.
This Research Topic aims to ignite scholarly discussions on the practical application of blockchain in construction. By promoting the adoption of blockchain in real-world construction projects, the industry can make significant strides in enhancing sustainability and efficiency. Embracing blockchain technology holds the potential to revolutionize the construction sector and propel it towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. This Research Topic centers around the profound impact of blockchain technology on the construction industry, aiming to capitalize on new opportunities and develop sustainable and intelligent solutions. The scope includes diverse topics of interest, with an emphasis on the application of blockchain in construction. Potential areas of exploration are as follows:
• Comprehensive Review and Development Path: Papers focusing on reviewing the trends, development path, and diffusion patterns of blockchain in the construction sector, providing valuable insights into its growth and potential.
• Blockchain in the Green Supply Chain: Investigations into how blockchain can revolutionize the green supply chain in construction, particularly in areas like prefabricated and modular construction, to enhance sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Carbon Monitoring and Accounting: Explorations of how blockchain can play a pivotal role in carbon monitoring, tracking, and accounting throughout the construction process, helping the industry achieve its carbon reduction and environmental goals.
• Life Cycle (Sustainability) Assessment: Research on the application of blockchain technology in life cycle assessments, enabling a more holistic understanding of a construction project's environmental impact and sustainability performance.
• Sustainable-Oriented Decision-Making: Studies highlighting the integration of blockchain in decision-making processes for sustainability-focused aspects in construction, such as material selection, energy-saving initiatives, and innovative structural designs.
• Impact on the Construction Industry: Evaluations of the overall impact of blockchain technology on the construction industry, including its potential to drive positive changes, optimize processes, and create new opportunities.
• Adoption Challenges and Opportunities: In-depth analyses of the challenges and opportunities faced during the adoption of blockchain in construction, shedding light on strategies for successful implementation.
• Integration with Advanced Technologies: Exploration of how blockchain can be effectively integrated with other state-of-the-art technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and their potential collaborative applications in construction.
• Sustainable Blockchain Type Selection: Research focusing on the design and selection of sustainable and appropriate blockchain types tailored to specific construction scenarios, ensuring optimized functionality and efficiency.
• Roadmaps for Future Policies: Papers providing insights and recommendations for future policies and regulations related to the application and integration of blockchain technology in the construction industry.
By delving into these compelling topics, this Research Topic seeks to foster a deep understanding of blockchain's transformative potential in construction and its pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and intelligent future for the industry.
Keywords: Blockchain, Sustainability, Smart, Construction
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.