Approved Special Sessions
Session Organizers: Afaq Ahmad, Alejandro Jiménez Rios, Vagelis Plevris
The durability and sustainability of concrete infrastructure are important to achieving global net-zero targets. As the backbone of modern construction, existing concrete structures require timely and reliable forensic analysis to ensure their extended service life, reduce embodied carbon emissions, and minimize the need for resource-intensive repairs or replacements. This Special Session explores the integration of image processing and machine learning techniques in the forensic analysis of concrete, emphasizing their potential in identifying, assessing, and predicting structural degradation.
Bridging the domains of civil engineering, computer vision, and data science, the session invites researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in a cross-disciplinary dialogue. Presentations will highlight advancements in imaging technologies, algorithms for crack detection and classification, and predictive models for structural health monitoring. Case studies on the application of these techniques in real-world scenarios will illustrate their ability to revolutionize forensic investigations, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.
The session aims to start a critical conversation about the role of intelligent technologies in infrastructure conservation and their contribution to a sustainable built environment. By addressing challenges such as data standardization, ethical implications, and scalability, this session seeks to foster collaborative research and innovative practices that align with net-zero ambitions.
Session Organizers: Eddie Koenders and Enzo Martinelli
The session is calling for research reports and scientific breakthroughs on the main components employed in bio-based concrete, viz. alternative bio-based SCMs, renewable bio-aggregates, and CO2 absorbing bio-based additions like fibers, aggregates, etc., that contribute to neutral concretes. Novel research pathways towards climate-neutral bio-based concretes are reported in this session. Multidisciplinary research covering cement chemistry, concrete technology, civil and bio-based materials engineering, as well as related scientific areas such as physical chemistry, reaction thermodynamics and kinetics, and physics of materials, but also reusability and adaptability of resources and production procedures are considered. The session is open to papers in the following three research categories:
✓ Experimental and numerical research on bio-based binders and/or clinker materials in terms of composition and reactivity of individual phases and CO2 interactions;
✓ Bio-based and/or renewable aggregate systems that have the potential to absorb CO2 are fully recyclable and/or reusable in an end-of-life scenario;
✓ Advanced bio-based additions to maximize CO2 uptake in concrete production during and after service life.
This mini-symposium mainly aims to report the preliminary results of the international research project “Bio-based Energy-efficient Materials and Structures for Tomorrow” (BEST), which the EU granted as part of the Horizon Europe Programme (HE-MSCA-SE-2021, n. 101086440).
Session Organizer: Shima Pilehvar, Amine El Mahdi Safhi and Mahdi Kioumarsi
Step into the frontier of sustainable material science and engineering in this conference session dedicated to geopolymers for both terrestrial and lunar applications. Geopolymers are an innovative class of materials that provide eco-friendly alternatives to traditional construction materials such as cement and concrete. On Earth, these materials are paving the way for net-zero energy construction by significantly reducing carbon emissions, combatting climate change, and fostering sustainable development practices. On the Moon, geopolymers derived from lunar regolith offer a viable solution for constructing durable, lightweight, and resource-efficient habitats for extraterrestrial missions. This session will explore the science, innovation, and real-world applications of geopolymers, showing their transformative impact on sustainable infrastructure both in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. Be part of the journey as we connect the principles of planetary sustainability with the ambitions of interplanetary development.
Session Highlights:
Novelty and Dual Innovation: Discover pioneering advancements in both Earth and lunar geopolymer formulations. Learn how these materials are revolutionizing terrestrial construction while addressing the unique challenges of lunar environments.
Sustainability: Explore the environmental benefits of geopolymers for Earth and their role in reducing the carbon footprint. Understand how in-situ lunar resource utilization enables sustainable extraterrestrial infrastructure.
Real-World Applications: Real-World Applications: From urban buildings and pavements to lunar habitats and landing pads, examine the versatile applications of geopolymers in achieving net-zero energy and resource-efficient goals.
Innovation and Collaboration: Engage in discussions on the future of sustainable construction materials. Connect with like-minded professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the possibilities of geopolymers for sustainable construction on Earth and beyond.
Session Organizers: Priscilla Paniagua and Stefan Ritter
There is a growing body of literature that recognises the important role of geotechnical engineering in sustainable construction and urban development. Geotechnical engineering deals, for example, with excavation processes to generate space for future structures and to design and build foundations to transfer loads of superstructures to the ground. These processes are part of the early stages of construction projects; thus, they can set a precedence for sustainable practices, including reducing the carbon footprint of subsequent construction activities. However, efforts to reduce the environmental impact of future structures often insufficiently integrate the geotechnical engineering profession.
Traditionally, geotechnical engineering activities are energy- and resource-intensive. Geotechnical engineering practice nowadays still relies on construction materials with significant carbon footprints, such as traditional cement-based materials and steel. While several previous studies explored alternative materials to substitute cement, the reuse of existing geo-structures, and the recycling of materials, there is a need for interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchange between experts from structural engineering, material science, robotics, instrumentation, and monitoring and infrastructure management to achieve geotechnical engineering solutions for a net-zero future.
This special session aims to bring together geotechnical engineers with leading experts from various disciplines to recognize existing and missing capacities to achieve a sustainable, net-zero carbon-built environment. To facilitate knowledge exchange and bridge gaps between different professions, we invite contributions related to the key thematic areas of the Net-Zero Future 2025 conference:
1. Zero (or negative) carbon materials in geotechnical engineering,
2. Robotics, automation, and digitalisation in geotechnical engineering,
3. Innovative geotechnical design to optimise performance and reduce material usage,
4. Instrumentation and monitoring to extend the lifespan of geo-structures,
5. Life-cycle assessments of geotechnical works and incorporation of geotechnical engineering in policymaking.
Session Organizer: Mohammad H. Baghban
In the face of escalating environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable development, the construction industry is increasingly focusing on energy optimization and sustainability. This special session explores innovative strategies and practices that integrate energy efficiency and sustainability in both new building construction and retrofitting of existing structures.
Key areas of discussion include advanced energy optimization techniques, the use of sustainable materials, and the implementation of green building standards. The session also delves into the economic and environmental benefits of retrofitting older buildings to meet modern energy standards, highlighting successful case studies and best practices.
This special session, which brings together experts from various fields, aims to provide an overview of current trends, challenges, and future directions in sustainable building construction and retrofitting. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of how energy optimization and sustainability can be effectively integrated to create resilient, eco-friendly buildings that contribute to a net-zero future.
Session Organizers: Hadi Amlashi and Mequanent Alamnie
This session is organised to bring together researchers and practitioners to delve into the latest developments in machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and digital twin technologies, with a particular emphasis on their application in the reliability-based lifecycle design and management of civil and energy infrastructures. The rapid evolution in data acquisition techniques, predictive analytics, and computational capabilities is transforming the landscape of design and management within the civil and energy sectors. These technologies enhance reliability and lifecycle performance by facilitating predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring.
This technical session aims to function as a forum for disseminating cutting-edge research findings and practical applications in this domain. It will promote innovative methodologies, case studies, and practical applications and emphasize how these technologies can enhance the resilience, safety, and sustainability of infrastructure systems.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Evaluating the Long-Term Effects of ML, AI, and Digital Twins on Infrastructure Lifecycle Management.
- Employing Reliability-Based Design Methodologies with Advanced Computational Tools
- Analysing Case Studies that Reveal the Benefits and Challenges of Practical Applications of Soft Computing Technologies in Civil and Energy Infrastructures
- Utilizing Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Predictive Maintenance and Risk Assessment of civil and energy infrastructures
- Implementing Digital Twins for Real-Time Monitoring of Infrastructure
- Advancing Sensor Technologies and Data Fusion Techniques for Smart Infrastructure Systems
Session Organizers: Savis Gohari and Alenka Temeljotov-Salaj
This session will spotlight theoretical approaches, methodologies, and case studies from relevant contexts, including Zero Energy Neighborhoods, Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), climate-neutral cities, and smart city living labs that have successfully bridged critical gaps in achieving climate neutrality. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the session will showcase how integrated strategies and innovative frameworks have driven transformative change.
Participants will explore innovative governance models, public-private partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, integrated planning and decision-making processes, and circular economy principles to gain actionable insights into fostering systemic transformation. The session emphasizes the importance of human-centric approaches that balance technological progress with equity, societal well-being, and long-term sustainability. Attendees will engage in holistic discussions focusing on the interplay between technology, processes, people, and places, highlighting how personal, practical, and political transformations can create change at individual, collective, and systemic levels.
Contributors will showcase projects and initiatives that exemplify scalable solutions for integrating zero-carbon strategies into urban planning, urban facility management, infrastructure development, and policy-making. These real-world examples will demonstrate how collaborative governance, interdisciplinary approaches, and partnerships between public and private sectors can overcome challenges and drive progress toward ambitious climate-neutral goals.
The session aims to bridge knowledge gaps and foster meaningful dialogue among professionals, researchers, and policymakers by exchanging experiences and best practices. Attendees will leave equipped with tools, methodologies, and inspiration to accelerate climate neutrality in their respective fields while contributing to a shared vision of sustainable, inclusive, and future-proof urban environments.
Session Organizers: Amine El Mahdi Safhi, Shima Pilehvar and Mahdi Kioumarsi
This session will delve into the intersection of cutting-edge sustainability strategies and emerging circular economy principles to chart a path toward net-zero construction. Experts from industry, academia, and policy will share how innovations in design, materials, and technology can drastically reduce carbon footprints while preserving valuable resources. We will explore best practices such as design-for-disassembly, integration of recycled materials, and the use of digital tools to optimize resource flow. Through case studies and interactive discussions, participants will gain insights into scaling circular solutions, overcoming policy and market barriers, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. By highlighting actionable roadmaps and proven success stories, this session aims to empower stakeholders across the construction value chain to rethink traditional methods and accelerate the transition toward a climate-resilient, net-zero built environment.
List of Approved Special Sessions:
To submit your paper to a proposed special session, please include the session code/title during submission. You can visit our Submission page for more information.