ZeroBuild Journal

Developing Strategy Framework for the Sustainable Reconstruction of the Ukrainian Building Stock: A Literature Review and Proposal

Umit Unver — 2025-04-18

This paper highlights the impact of the war in Ukraine on various sectors, including agriculture, energy, education, the environment, and especially the building sector. The objective of the study is to propose a viable basic framework strategy for achieving sustainable reconstruction in Ukraine by reviewing existing literature. This research highlights the lack of studies specifically addressing the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine's building stock. To bridge this gap, it draws insights from studies on broader reconstruction topics and recovery efforts following various types of hazards. Papers outside the 'science and engineering' field were excluded, and the remaining papers were reviewed. Despite extensive literature on post-war reconstruction in various sectors, a specific strategy for the reconstruction of the building stock in Ukraine has not yet been described. Therefore, the scope of the investigation was expanded to include studies on reconstruction strategies following disasters. This study introduces a general, sustainable, and basic strategy for reconstruction. The proposed strategy considers Gradual, Regional, and Typological dimensions. As a result, the proposed strategy may be applied to any kind of disaster.

Towards Zero Energy Healthcare Facilities: A Proposal to Reduce Operating Room-Based Energy Demand

Can Coskun — 2025-07-03

The concept of zero-energy healthcare facilities represents a crucial strategy in mitigating global warming and combating climate change. This study proposes a method to reduce energy consumption specifically by optimizing the operation of ventilation systems in hospital operating rooms. The primary focus is to evaluate the impact of lowering the airflow rate during non-use hours (referred to as night mode) on cooling energy consumption. Using actual hourly usage data, night mode hours were defined as 20:00 to 08:00. For Izmir province, analysis showed that implementing a 50% reduction in airflow rate during these hours could lead to an electricity savings of 11.3%, equivalent to 803.3 kWh, during the cooling season in a single operating room. These findings demonstrate a significant opportunity to improve energy efficiency in hospital settings by adjusting ventilation system operation according to room usage, contributing to the broader goal of zero-energy healthcare facilities and environmental sustainability.

Environmental Impact Assessment in The Selection of Sustainable Building Materials

Mihriban SARI — 2025-07-26

This study examines the use of sustainable building materials within the construction sector from a multidimensional perspective. As environmental threats intensify and natural resources become scarcer, sustainable materials are no longer a choice but a necessity. The study evaluates the environmental impacts of these materials throughout their life cycle and assesses their economic viability and social contributions. It also identifies key challenges to their adoption and proposes actionable solutions. The findings demonstrate that sustainable materials are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable and socially beneficial. These materials serve as a fundamental element in shaping a future-oriented building paradigm and play a crucial role in achieving global sustainability goals.