Topics — CEES 2027

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES

From the extraction of resources to the production and transport of materials to the construction process, the construction industry is responsible for a great deal of carbon emissions, as is the use stage of buildings and manmade infrastructures. This has motivated the search for alternatives to conventional materials and the need for innovation in materials production and performance, as well as for the development of novel building systems and construction technologies that reduce the environmental impacts associated both with new and existing construction. Paper topics may include:

• Natural materials

• Vernacular/traditional materials and techniques

• Materials incorporating waste

• Green roofs and living facades     

• Adaptive building skins

• Rehabilitation, retrofitting and refurbishment

• Conservation and maintenance of historical and cultural heritage

• Quality control systems

• Other

ENERGY

As we strive for a sustainable built environment, energy scarcity is one of the key issues that must be dealt with. Since the built environment is responsible for a significant portion of total energy consumption, policymakers are increasingly focused on reducing energy consumption in buildings and manmade structures. However, to fully address this issue, researchers from different background are coming together to work on cleaner generation and distribution, improved storage, and more efficient use at the building, neighbourhood and regional level.
Paper topics include:

• Energy policies

• Energy efficiency

• Renewable energy sources

• Sustainable energy production

• Energy storage and distribution

• Energy and mobility

• Nearly zero energy buildings

• Passive houses

• Other

ENVIRONMENT

Increased population and urbanisation have undoubtedly led to negative effects on the environment and contributed greatly to climate change. From resourcing and construction to use of infrastructure and disposal of waste, the built environment building stock is responsible for major impacts on the environment. In this context, environmental engineering and management activities are crucial for assessing and minimizing these impacts, as well as for enabling climate change adaptation. Paper topics include:

• Natural hazards mitigation

• Resilience and adaptation to climate changes

• Environmental risk management

• CO2 capturing and management

• Waste recovery and management

• Circular economy

• Eco-design

• Life cycle assessment

• Environmental labels and declarations

• Environmental assessment of buildings

• Other

BUILDING PHYSICS

It is known that we spend most of our time indoors. As concerns with climate change and resource scarcity grow, so do people's expectations regarding indoor comfort and safety levels in buildings. In this context, it is important to continue to further knowledge the development of modelling tools and experimental characterization procedures that allow for the better understanding of the performance of buildings and the behaviour of construction elements. Paper topics include:

• Hygrothermal performance 

• Heat and mass transfer

• Building acoustics 

• Indoor environment quality

• Fire safety

• Building pathologies and diagnostic

• Other

WATER AND SANITATION

Water and sanitation are at the core of urban planning and sustainable development of the built environment. Increasing water-use efficiency, improving water quality, protecting and restoring water related ecosystems, promoting equitable and universal sanitation, and achieving access to safe drinking water for all, are fundamental for a sustainable urban planning and resilient and safe infrastructures. Paper topics include:

• Water efficiency in buildings

• Water-energy nexus

• Water / wastewater treatment and reuse

• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)

• Water pollution and circular economy

• Integrated water management

• Other 

DIGITALIZATION, AUTOMATION AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

As with other industries, modernization and transformation through digitalization is inevitable in the Construction sector. Digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, automation, and digital twins continue to drive innovation. As we transition into Construction 5.0, multidisciplinary researchers are working on the integration of advanced technologies with human expertise to create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable construction processes. Paper topics include:

• Construction management and project delivery

• Virtual Design and Construction (VDC)

• Building Information Modelling (BIM)

• IoT/AI and digital twins

• Prefabrication and modular construction

• Automation in construction

• Smart buildings

• Smart Readiness Indicator (SRI)

• Construction 5.0

• Other related topics

COMMUNITY CHALLENGES AND POLICIES

Along with the protection of the environment, economic viability and social equity are commonly referred to as the other two pillars of sustainability. As resources like food, water and energy become scarcer and population and urbanization continue to increase, community challenges are more significant than ever. The social and economic aspects of buildings and urban development must not be neglected. Paper topics include:

• Urban planning

• Economics, financing and management

• Applied social sciences in housing

• Education for Sustainable Construction

• Health and safety in the construction sector

• Green infrastructures

• Inclusive design

• Environmental noise

• Urban metabolism

• Smart cities

• Other

We invite distinguished members of the scientific community to further contribute to the discussion by organizing a special thematic session focusing on a topic of their choice that fits in with the general scope of the CEES conference. You may extend this invitation to another colleague for a joint organization.

In recognition of your efforts, the Organizing Committee will waive the cost of one registration fee per organized session (containing at least 5 presentations with confirmed paid registration).

How to organize a special thematic session?

Each organized session is intended to be 2 hours long and contain 5 to 6 presentations (each 20 minutes long, including discussion). However, if more communications are submitted on a particular topic the session may be split accordingly.

As a session organizer you will be responsible for:
- Inviting fellow researchers to submit and present communications on your proposed topic,
- Ensuring the revision of the abstracts submitted to the session,
- Chair the session.

How to propose a special thematic session?

Special thematic sessions should be proposed no later than 18th September 2026 to cees@itecons.uc.pt. Please make sure to include the title of the organized session and the name(s) of the organizer(s), which will be featured on conference website and included in the conference submission platform.

How to submit an abstract to a special thematic session?

When submitting your contribution please make sure to select the right special thematic session when choosing the paper topic.