Enhancing Energy Efficiency and Social Issues Towards Net-Zero Ambitions

The field of energy efficiency in buildings is pivotal in addressing climate change, as these structures account for approximately 45% of carbon dioxide emissions. Buildings, being the largest contributors to climate change, consume a significant amount of energy to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. Most existing buildings were constructed under outdated standards and are expected to remain until 2050, posing a challenge to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The international community has formed the largest-ever coalition to reach net carbon neutrality by 2050, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency as a tool for politicians committed to ambitious climate goals. Energy efficiency not only reduces the costs associated with carbon emission mitigation but also fosters social and economic progress, enhances energy security, and improves quality of life. Despite these advancements, there is a pressing need to redesign the built environment to prioritize people and foster community-level connections. The urgency of climate change and global warming necessitates innovative methods to enhance energy efficiency, consider carbon embodiment, integrate renewable energy technologies, and address the social and cultural needs of diverse communities.

This research topic aims to explore methods and strategies to enhance energy efficiency and address social issues in the pursuit of net-zero ambitions. The primary objectives include investigating approaches to improve energy efficiency in buildings, examining the impact of retrofit pathways on transitioning to a net-zero carbon-built environment, and understanding the role of computer simulation and modeling. Additionally, the research seeks to highlight successful real-life case studies and assess the impact of these efforts on the quality of life and well-being in urban environments.

To gather further insights in enhancing energy efficiency and addressing social issues towards net-zero ambitions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• approaches to improving energy efficiency in buildings
• impact of retrofit pathways in the transition to a net-zero carbon-built environment
• utilization of computer simulation and modeling
• case studies of successful real-life scenarios with a focus on sustainable communities
• impact of research on quality of life and well-being in urban environments.

Keywords: Residential Energy, Energy Efficiency, Building Performance, Indoor Climate, Retrofit Strategies, Social Sustainability, Urban Environment

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.