Healthy and Energy-Efficient Buildings: Volume 2

This is Volume 2 of the Research Topic on 'Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings' focuses on the emerging need for sustainable and healthy indoor environments.

The built environment contributes significantly to energy consumption and environmental degradation, leading to adverse effects on human health and well-being. Therefore, this Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research that addresses the complex interplay between building energy efficiency and occupant health. The scope of the Research Topic covers topics such as energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, sustainable energy, health and well-being, building codes and standards, energy management, and green building practices.

The ultimate goal of the Research Topic is to promote sustainable building practices and enhance the well-being of building occupants while reducing the environmental impact of buildings. While energy efficiency has become a top priority in building design, there has been less emphasis on creating indoor environments that are conducive to good health. To achieve the goal of this Research Topic, recent advances in building design, construction, and operation must be incorporated. These include the use of advanced materials and technologies, such as smart sensors and automation systems that can monitor and control indoor air quality, temperature, and lighting levels to create optimal indoor conditions for occupants. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. In order to promote healthy buildings, there is a need for more research on the impact of building design and materials on indoor air quality and occupant health. This includes exploring the use of natural ventilation and passive cooling strategies, as well as the use of low-emitting materials and finishes that do not off-gas harmful chemicals. This Research Topic seeks to address the need for sustainable buildings that prioritize both energy efficiency and occupant health.

This Research Topic on 'Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings' should include a wide range of themes related to the intersection of health and energy efficiency in building design, construction, and operation. The following are some specific themes that contributors are encouraged to address:

• Indoor air quality and ventilation in energy-efficient buildings;

• Thermal comfort and building occupant health;

• Lighting and its impact on human health and wellbeing;

• Building materials and their impact on indoor air quality and occupant health;

• Innovative energy-efficient building technologies;

• Building energy management systems;

• Integration of health and wellness strategies in energy-efficient building design and construction.

We would consider original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that address these and related topics. We would encourage submissions that utilize a multidisciplinary approach to address the complex challenges at the intersection of health and energy efficiency in buildings. Manuscripts should report on studies that include experimental, analytical, or numerical investigations, as well as those that provide insights into practical design and operational challenges. We would also be welcoming studies that provide insights into the economic and policy implications of healthy and energy-efficient building design and operation.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Energy Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Sustainable Energy, Health and Well-being, Building Codes and Standards, Energy Management

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.