Intelligent Systems for Sustainable Building: Balancing IEQ with Energy Efficiency

The field of sustainable building practices is currently at the forefront of global efforts aimed at reducing environmental impacts and enhancing energy conservation. The interplay between energy efficiency and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in the built environment presents a crucial opportunity for transformative advancements. With building operations significantly contributing to global carbon emissions, optimizing both energy use and internal environmental conditions becomes essential. Recent trends indicate a shift towards Energy-Efficient Intelligent Systems, employing technologies such as smart sensors and adaptive controls, which promise to redefine how buildings maintain balance between energy conservation and occupant comfort.

This Research Topic aims to explore and address the challenges inherent in integrating these advanced systems into sustainable building designs. It seeks to delve deeply into new methodologies that not only ensure minimal environmental impact but also enhance the health and productivity of occupants. The focus will be on examining how intelligent solutions can transform conventional HVAC systems to achieve better energy performance while maintaining or improving IEQ.

To further our understanding of these dynamic systems, the Scope of research will include:

- Articulating the constraints and potentials of current building technologies.
- Outlining the need for a strategic approach in adopting these intelligent systems within traditional frameworks.

We welcome contributions from diverse fields that address themes such as:
- Advanced sensor technologies and their applications in IEQ monitoring
- Machine learning models for predictive maintenance and energy management
- Adaptive control systems tailored for diverse climatic conditions
- Case studies on energy-efficient retrofitting of existing buildings
- Investigations into occupant behavior and its impacts on energy usage and comfort levels.

By promoting research across these areas, we aim to foster the adoption of sustainable solutions in building management that prioritize both environmental sustainability and occupant well-being.

Keywords: Energy efficiency in buildings. Demand response. Intelligent lighting and acoustics. Post occupancy evaluation. Building management. Occupant comfort and productivity

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.