Special Sessions – Net-Zero Future 2027
The Net-Zero Future 2027 Conference in Goa, India (13–15 October 2027) will feature a series of Special Sessions on emerging topics within the conference themes. The Special Sessions confirmed so far are listed below; further sessions will be added as they are confirmed.
Contributions to the Special Sessions are submitted through the conference submission portal, ConfTool, and follow the same format, deadlines and peer-review process as regular submissions (abstract deadline: 31 December 2026).
Sessions Overview
Session Details
Special Session SS1
Innovative Bio-Based and Nature-Derived Construction Materials: Mechanical Performance, Durability, Sustainability, and AI-Driven Design
Session Organizer: Shima Mahboubi
Abstract
The transition toward a net-zero built environment requires innovative strategies to reduce the embodied carbon and environmental footprint of construction materials. The utilization of natural resources, biological materials, and bio-based waste streams offers promising opportunities to develop sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials. Marine, agricultural, and biological resources, including seashells, eggshells, rice husks, bamboo, hemp fibers, and other natural residues, have considerable potential for applications in concrete, cementitious composites, alternative binders, and advanced building products. This Special Session aims to bring together researchers and practitioners working on the development, characterization, optimization, and application of innovative bio-based and nature-derived construction materials. Particular attention will be given to their mechanical performance, durability, degradation mechanisms, microstructural characteristics, and long-term behavior. Furthermore, contributions employing artificial intelligence and machine learning for predicting material properties, optimizing mixture proportions, assessing durability, and supporting the design of low-carbon construction materials are strongly encouraged. Life-cycle assessment, embodied carbon evaluation, circular economy strategies, and innovative material processing technologies are also within the scope of this session. Experimental investigations, numerical simulations, data-driven approaches, multi-objective optimization, and environmental assessments are welcome. Ultimately, this session seeks to promote the integration of sustainable material development, engineering performance assessment, and intelligent design strategies toward achieving a net-zero built environment.
More Special Sessions will be announced soon. If you are interested in organizing a Special Session, please see the Call for Special Sessions.