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2025-cape town

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2nd International Conference on Net-Zero Built Environment: Innovations in Materials, Structures, and Management Practices

5 – 7 November 2025

Thank you!
The Net-Zero Future 2025 Conference was a landmark international event focused on advancing research, innovation, and best practices to achieve a sustainable, net-zero, carbon-built environment. As part of the broader “Net-Zero Future” project, this second annual conference was held in the dynamic city of Cape Town, South Africa, from November 5th to 7th, 2025.

Check out the Conference Topics
Download Conference Programme

The Net-Zero Future conference series rotates its location annually, providing a global perspective and highlighting regional innovations and challenges. By holding the 2025 edition in Cape Town, the conference spotlighted Africa’s unique contributions to the global net-zero movement while also providing a platform to discuss the continent’s specific sustainability challenges and opportunities.

About Net-Zero Future 2025

Commitees

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Committees

Conference Chair

Hans Beushausen (Chair),
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Mahdi Kioumarsi (Chair),
Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway
Behrouz, Shafei (Chair),
Iowa State University, The USA

Organizing Committee

Mahdi Kioumarsi, Norway
Behrouz Shafei, The USA
Hans Beushausen, South Africa
Eduardus, A.B. Koenders, Germany
Samitt Ray Chaudhari, India

International Scientific Committee

Karen Scrivener, Switzerland
Gaurav N. Sant, The USA
Tamon Ueda, Japan
Wolfram Schmidt, Germany
Romildo D. Toledo Filho, Brazil
Harald Justnes, Norway
Dimitrios Angelis, Belgium
Enrique Hernandez Montes, Spain
Enzo Martinelli, Italy
Ueli Angst, Switzerland
Mark G Alexander, South Africa
Dimitrios Vamvatsikos, Greece
Weizhuo Shi, China
Aleksejs Prozuments, Latvia
Carl Haas, Canada,
Branko Šavija, The Netherlands
Elham Fini, The USA
Manu Santhanam, India
Anna-Lena Kjøniksen, Norway
Kim Hung Mo, Malaysia
Max A.N. Hendriks, The Netherlands and Norway
Sylvia Keßler, Germany
Ling Tung Chai, China
Tor Arne Hammer, Norway
Vagelis Plevris, Qatar



Local Committee

Dr. Rukshani Heiyantuduwa
Ms. Joanitta Ndawula
Mr. Nicholas Jarratt

Ms. Areej Gamieldien
Ms. Jaziitha Simon

Conference Awards

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Students and Industry Projects Awards 2025

Student Awards

The Net-Zero Future 2025 Conference is delighted to unveil a series of awards dedicated to Exceptional Student 
Presentations and Papers, details of which will be provided at a later stage. 

– Student Presentation Awards: For up to 5 best student presentations
– Student Paper Awards: For up to 5 best papers presented by students

In addition to the above awards, the Net-Zero Future 2025 Conference will also offer Graduate Student Support: a full registration fee waiver for up to 10 PhD students who submit high-quality papers.
To be considered for the waiver, eligible students should send a request via our Contact page.

Industry Projects Awards

The Industry Project Award will recognize the most innovative and impactful project presented by industry participants at the Net-Zero Future 2025 Conference. This award highlights excellence in applying research, technology, or best practices to real-world challenges in achieving a net-zero built environment.
The winning project will be selected during the conference based on its originality, practical relevance, and potential contribution to sustainability and carbon reduction in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

In addition to the above awards, the Net-Zero Future Conference will offer Graduate Student Support: a full registration fee waiver for up to 10 graduate students (upon prior request).

Proceedings

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Conference 2025 Proceedings

Check previous proceedings book
All accepted papers from the Net-Zero Future 2025 Conference will be published in Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, an academic book series by Springer.

Scopus and Web of Science Indexing

Your research will receive global recognition, as it will be indexed in Scopus (all accepted papers) and Web of Science (a selected number of papers).

Open Access

We are committed to open access, ensuring your work is freely accessible to researchers and professionals worldwide, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Individual DOI

Each paper will be assigned a unique Digital Object Identifier (DOI), which will enhance its visibility and make it easily citable in scholarly publications.

Conference Venue

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Conference Venue

The conference venue will be the recently refurbished conference centre of UCT’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) in the V&A Waterfront – the most visited tourist attraction in Africa!
The GSB campus was built as a prison in the 1800s and is considered one of Cape Town’s major landmarks. The facilities include a state-of-the-art conference and exhibition centre overlooking the historic harbour and Table Mountain.
The V&A Waterfront offers plenty of indoor and outdoor shopping and entertainment venues in a cosmopolitan atmosphere, as well as many of the city’s best restaurants and museums. The area surrounding the GSB campus hosts numerous hotels and offers very pleasant and safe opportunities to experience African cultures in a beautiful setting.

How to get to the venue?

From Cape Town International Airport to UCT’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) at the V&A Waterfront:
Uber is the easiest and most convenient way to get to the venue. Once you land, request an Uber via the app for a direct 20 to 30-minute ride to the UCT Graduate School of Business. Rides are safe and reliable, and the Uber pickup point is well-signposted at the airport.
Open directions in Google Maps

Accomodation

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Accommodation

To ensure a seamless stay, we have partnered with Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge to offer delegates an exclusive special rate at this well-appointed 3-star hotel, located in the same building as the conference venue at the GBS Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business.

Hotel: Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge
Conference Venue: GBS Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Conference Dates: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 to Friday, 7 November 2025
Special Rate Available: Sunday, 2 November 2025 to Friday, 7 November 2025 (5 night stay – to accommodate early arrivals and travel adjustments)

How to Book Your Stay
To secure your accommodation at the special delegate rate, please click on the link and follow the booking process. This link will ensure access to the pre-arranged discounted rates and conference dates.

If you need to adjust your booking dates or have any questions regarding your stay, please reach out directly to the Protea Hotel Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge team. They will be happy to assist you with any modifications or inquiries.
Contact: BreakwaterLodgeGroups@proteahotels.com

Book and get ready for an incredible conference experience!

Social Activities

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Social Activities

Welcome Ceremony

Please note that the Welcome Ceremony takes place together with the pre-registration on Tuesday, 04 November, from 17:00 – 18:30. The venue is the same as the venue for the conference – the GSB Conference Centre. 

Technical Harbour Cruise

The technical harbour cruise will take place on Wednesday, 05 November, from 18:00–20:00. We’ll tour Cape Town’s working harbour to view key infrastructure from the water and enjoy city and mountain views at sunset.

Gala dinner

Our conference gala dinner will be held at SPYCED Restaurant on Thursday, 06 November, 18:30–22:00.

SPYCED Restaurant is a celebration of quintessential Cape culture in all its guises. Born from a love of experiential restaurants that tell a story, SPYCED traces the discovery of the spice route around the Cape and its influence on local food and culture. The restaurant showcases Cape Malay cuisine and, in the evenings, turns up the energy with a spice-infused set menu and live entertainment.

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Explore Cape Town

Known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, Cape Town offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Explore the bustling V&A Waterfront, stroll through the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, or take a cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic views. Just beyond the city, you’ll find the picturesque Cape Winelands, renowned for its world-class vineyards, and the scenic Cape Peninsula, home to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Point and the charming seaside town of Hout Bay.

 Make the most of your time in Cape Town by exploring its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. As a Net-Zero Future 2025 attendee, you have access to exclusive tour packages in partnership with Cullinan Guided Journeys and Brafrica, two of South Africa’s premier tour operators.

Brafrika

How to Book Your Tour

  1. Choose your ideal experience, from half-day Cape Town City Tours to thrilling whale watching in Hermanus.
  2. Visit Brafrika to explore a range of tour packages.

Why Book with Brafrika?

  • Discover Cape Town’s best, from scenic helicopter flights to shark cage diving.
  • Enjoy seamless, hassle-free booking with expert-guided tours.
  • Choose from cultural, luxury, and adventure-filled experiences tailored to your interests.

Cullinan Guided Journeys

How to Book Your Tour

  1. Visit Cullinan Guided Journeys to explore available tour packages.
  2. Choose your preferred experience,from scenic drives along the Cape Peninsula to immersive cultural tours.
  3. During the booking process, use the code #NETZERO2025 

Why Book with Cullinan Guided Journeys?

  • Curated experiences showcasing the best of South Africa.
  • Curated experiences showcasing the best of South Africa.
  • Expert local guides providing in-depth knowledge.
  • Comfortable and sustainable travel options.

Seamless Travel from Airport to Accommodation and More

Make your arrival and stay in Cape Town stress-free with Chilltee Shuttles, our preferred ground transport provider for the Net-Zero Future 2025 conference. Fixed-rate transfers are available between Cape Town International Airport and the Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge, the recommended accommodation conveniently located in the same building as the conference venue.

Fixed Rates for Airport Transfers:

  • One way standard sedan transfer for one to three people: R910.00
  • One way standard minibus transfer for four to eight people:R1560.00

In addition to airport transfers, Chilltee Shuttles offers transportation around Cape Town throughout the duration of the conference, ensuring you can get to meetings, dinner reservations, or explore the city with ease.

They’re also offering a convenient ad-hoc service for delegates who need assistance with:

  • Deliveries
  • Collections
  • Last-minute errands or shopping

For ad-hoc delivery or collection requests, simply WhatsApp +27 66 389 5933 with your requirements. You’ll receive a quotation, and once confirmed, the service will be booked.

How to Book Your Shuttle or Request a Service

Step 1: Visit Chilltee Shuttles
 Step 2: Click “Find a Ride” — this will scroll the page to the “Chat with Us” box.
Step 3: Fill in your details and in the “Your Message” field, please type:
#NetZeroConference2025

Be sure to use the hashtag when inquiring — it unlocks specially negotiated rates and services exclusively for Net-Zero Future 2025 delegates.

For ad-hoc delivery or collection requests, simply WhatsApp +27 66 389 5933 with your requirements. You’ll receive a quotation, and once confirmed, the service will be booked.

1. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium

Dive into an underwater world at the Two Oceans Aquarium, where you can explore the rich marine life of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Located at the V&A Waterfront, the aquarium features captivating exhibits, including mesmerizing jellyfish displays, a walk-through predator exhibit with ragged-tooth sharks, and interactive touch pools. Whether you’re fascinated by the ocean’s smallest creatures or its most fearsome predators, this is a must-visit for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the wonders beneath Cape Town’s waters.

Book tickets here

2. Visit the V&A Waterfront

The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is Cape Town’s most visited destination, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stroll along the harbour, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, or enjoy a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants, all while soaking in the stunning views of Table Mountain and the ocean.

3. Experience the History of District Six

Step into the past at the District Six Museum, a powerful tribute to one of Cape Town’s most vibrant and diverse communities that was forcibly displaced during apartheid. Through personal stories, photographs, and artifacts, the museum tells the moving history of the area and its residents, preserving their legacy for future generations. A visit here offers an insightful and emotional journey into South Africa’s history, making it a meaningful stop for those wanting to understand the city’s past and the resilience of its people.

Book tickets here

4. Explore Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the world’s great botanical gardens. Dedicated to preserving South Africa’s unique plant life, notably the Cape Floral Kingdom, it’s a peaceful place for nature lovers. The Tree Canopy Walkway, known as the “Boomslang,” offers sweeping views of the gardens and surrounding mountains.

Book tickets here

5. Relax on the Beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton

Cape Town is known for its pristine beaches, and the white sands of Camps Bay and Clifton are some of the most beautiful. Spend a day sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a cocktail at one of the beachside bars with the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. These beaches are perfect for both relaxation and people-watching.

6. Take a Robben Island Tour

Step into history with a visit to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. The guided tour, led by former prisoners, offers a moving account of South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy. The ferry ride to the island also provides stunning views of Cape Town’s skyline and Table Mountain.

Book tickets here

7. Explore the Bo-Kaap District

Stroll through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, one of Cape Town’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods. Known for its brightly painted houses and rich Cape Malay culture, this area offers a glimpse into the city’s diverse heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional Cape Malay cuisine at one of the local eateries or take a cooking class to learn how to make signature dishes. 

Keynote Speakers

Karen Scrivener

Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
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Professor Karen Scrivener, a Professor at EPFL, has dedicated four decades to studying cement and concrete. Her professional journey, transitioning seamlessly between academia and industry, provides her with a distinctive perspective encompassing this captivating material’s scientific underpinnings and practical intricacies.

Central to her research is the imperative to reduce CO2 emissions associated with this vital substance. This commitment has resulted in the development of LC3 cement, a groundbreaking innovation capable of slashing CO2 emissions by up to 40%. Beyond her research contributions, Professor Scrivener holds influential roles in journal editing and spearheads think groups focused on sustainability, further solidifying her stature as one of the most influential figures in the field.

Peter Taylor

Iowa State University (ISU)

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Professor Peter Taylor leads internationally recognized research at the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center. His high-impact work has resulted in the development of standard practices such as AASHTO PP 84: Developing Performance Engineered Concrete Pavement Mixtures. Additionally, his research has helped transportation agencies save millions of dollars by preventing premature failures in sawn joints and improving concrete proportioning tools for sustainable concrete mixtures.

Professor Taylor regularly presents at workshops, seminars, and conferences as an invited speaker. The information he presents about current research in concrete technology has a strong impact on the concrete pavement community in the United States and internationally.

Philippa Tumubweinee

University of Cape Town (UCT)

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Philippa Nyakato Tumubweinee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture, Planning & Geomatics (APG) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and convenor of the first-year class in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies at UCT. Tumubweinee is also a researcher at the African Centre for Cities (ACC), the Curator and strategic support for the UCT University of the Futures Project, a board member for the University’s Intellectual Property Advisory Committee (IPAC), and a practicing Architect at Stewart & Partners (S&P) based in Cape Town.
Tumubweinee holds the following qualifications: DPhil, University of the Free State (2019), MArchProf, University of Pretoria (2007), and BAS, University of the Witwatersrand (2002).

Madhavi Latha Gali

Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

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Madhavi Latha Gali is a Professor of Civil Engineering and the Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, India. She is a fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering. She did her Ph.D. from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. She has 22 years of experience in Civil Engineering teaching, research and practice. Her current research interests include micro to macro of geomechanics, sustainable soil reinforcement, earthquake geotechnical engineering and rock engineering. She is the primary geotechnical consultant to the world’s highest railway bridge constructed across river Chenab in Jammu, India. She was the Editor-in-chief of the Indian Geotechnical Journal published by Springer during 2016-2022 and currently an Associate editor of ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, Geotextiles and Geomembranes and International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering. She is the first recipient of the Best Woman Researcher in Geotechnical Engineering award from the Indian Geotechnical Society. She has also received Prof. S. K. Chatterjee outstanding researcher award of IISc, SERB POWER fellowship and she is listed in the top 75 women in STEAM of India.

Jochen Köhler

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
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Professor Jochen Köhler is an expert in structural reliability, risk-based decision-making, and probabilistic modeling. He holds a Ph.D. in engineering sciences from ETH Zurich (2006) and has been a professor at the Department of Structural Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) since 2016. His research focuses on structural safety, code calibration, and reliability assessment of materials and infrastructure, including timber, offshore, and transport structures.
Dr. Köhler has played a key role in international standardization efforts, actively contributing to several committees, including the European standardization bodies for structural Eurocodes. He is involved in professional organizations such as the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) and the International Federation for Structural Concrete (fib). Since 2023, he has served as the president of the Joint Committee on Structural Safety (JCSS), leading global efforts in the advancement of probabilistic safety assessment and structural design principles.

Vasant Matsagar

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi
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Professor Dr Vasant Matsagar is currently serving as Professor, Dogra Chair, and Head of the Department in the Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. His current research interests include multi-hazard engineering; multi-hazard protection of structures from earthquake, blast, fire, and wind. Professor Matsagar is Founding Director and Fellow of the Council of Vibration Specialists (CVS), and incumbent Vice-President of the Indian Society of Earthquake Technology (ISET). He has received fellowships from Fulbright Commission, Humboldt Foundation, Erasmus, ASEM-DUO India, and he is also an elected fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (F-NASI), Indian National Academy for Engineering (F-NAE), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (F-CDRI), Institution of Engineers (India) (F-IEI), and Indian Society of Earthquake Technology (F-ISET).

Manfred Braune

University of Cape Town (UCT)

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Manfred currently holds the position of Director: Environmental Sustainability at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he leads the strategy and implementation of environmental sustainability across all spheres of the university since early 2019. He also serves as a non-executive director of Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) in a voluntary role since August 2020. Manfred’s background is as a professional engineer, having worked at WSP Group for over 10 years as a consulting engineer, where he then started and led WSP’s green building business for 3 years and then worked for the GBCSA for 10 years directing all technical and training related matters.

Magda Posani

Aalto University

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Magda Posani is the Assistant Professor of Building Physics at Aalto University, department of Civil Engineering. She leads research at the intersection of building physics, the hygrothermal behaviour of building materials, and climate-neutral construction practices. Her research focuses on leveraging new-vernacular solutions to passively regulate indoor temperatures throughout the year, improving occupants’ comfort and well-being. She also works on the use of low-carbon hygroscopic materials to passively regulate indoor humidity levels. In this context, her research concentrates on the combination of additive manufacturing techniques with super-hygroscopic materials to develop building components optimized for passive humidity control. This is a critical area of research, as improper humidity levels indoors can negatively impact human health by triggering asthma and respiratory conditions, promoting the spread of viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, and enabling the spread of mould, fungi, and mites. More information on these topics is available in her recent TEDx talk “How to build better buildings”.  As a dedicated advocate for low-carbon construction practices, Magda’s expertise positions her as an emerging voice on how informed material choices can transform indoor spaces while contributing to global sustainability goals.

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