ORGANIZATION:
WITH THE SUPPORT OF:
2nd Edition of the International Conference on Zero Carbon Built Environment (ZCBE 2026)
Welcome
Welcome to the 2nd International Conference on Zero Carbon Built Environment (ZCBE 2026), jointly organized by the Portuguese National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG), NOVA School of Science and Technology (NOVA FCT), and the University of Nottingham, with the support of the European projects SHERLOCK, WeGenerate and SOLACE.
The conference will take place on 9–10 July 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. Building on the success of the first edition—with over 200 participants and 100 peer-reviewed papers—ZCBE 2026 continues to foster international dialogue between academia, industry, and policy-making.
By connecting researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers, ZCBE 2026 offers a platform to share innovative solutions and promote collaboration towards a zero-emission built environment.
For highlights from the previous edition, visit the ZCBE 2024 website.
Background
Addressing climate change and achieving global sustainability goals requires urgent action. The built environment is key—responsible for nearly 40% of global energy use and 37% of CO₂ emissions. Many existing buildings remain energy-inefficient and reliant on fossil-fuel systems.
Aligned with the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the path to carbon neutrality by 2050 demands that all new buildings become Zero Emission Buildings (ZEBs)—combining high energy efficiency with renewable energy supply and no on-site fossil fuel emissions. ZEBs create comfortable, healthy, and resilient spaces while generating or integrating renewable energy on-site or nearby.
ZCBE 2026 provides a collaborative forum for researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to advance the transition to a zero-emission built environment.
We invite all stakeholders to share their insights and join us in shaping a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
Conference topics
The ZCBE 2026 will include keynote and invited speeches, plenary sessions, oral presentations, and poster sessions on the below topics, but is not limited to:
1. Climate, Environment and Society
• Climate impacts: rising heat, wildfires, and floods
• Resilient cities and infrastructures
• Regenerative planning and landscapes
• Low-carbon and energy-positive communities
• Health, wellbeing, and comfort in the built environment
• Social equity and a just transition
• Citizen science and participatory approaches in the built environment
• Sustainable and inclusive Mobility
2. Design, Materials and Construction
• Resilient and affordable buildings
• Regenerative design and adaptive architecture
• Innovative building design, materials and construction
• Decarbonisation of the building stock
• Circular economy and resource efficiency
• Indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort
• Adaptive façades, passive systems and bioclimatic design
• Life cycle assessment and sustainable development goals
3. Technology and Innovation
• Artificial Intelligence in the built environment
• Digital transformation and smart design tools in the built environment
• Advances in renewable and low-carbon energy technology
• Energy storage, hybrid systems, and integration
• Performance monitoring, digital twins and operational outcomes
• Smart grids, energy flexibility and energy management platforms
4. Policy, Governance and Skills
• Policy frameworks, governance and finance
• Education, capacity building and workforce transition
• Zero carbon building and environmental assessment, certification and compliance
• Behavioural change, engagement and energy transition culture
We are pleased to announce outstanding papers will be considered for full publication in two special issues for: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews and Applied thermal engineering. For detailed and updated information on the conference please email: iczcbe2026@fct.unl.pt
We look forward to welcoming you to Lisbon.
Abstract submission
Submit your abstract before 1st January 2026.
Abstract template
Download our template here.
REGISTRATION FEES
| Types of fee | Early bird fee (until 15/05/2026) | Normal fee (after 15/05/2026) |
| Student a,b | €150 | €200 |
| Full delegate a | €400 | €500 |
| Accompanying person c | €150 | €150 |
a) Each registered author may present up to two papers in total (oral and/or poster).
Regular Fees includes (non-student): Access to conference sessions, conference materials, coffee breaks, lunches, the welcome cocktail on 9 July, and the conference dinner on 10 July.
b) Full-time students (excluding postdoctoral researchers) must provide proof of full-time enrolment (a copy of a valid student ID or a letter from the Head of Department or Programme Director).
Student Fees includes: Access to conference sessions, conference materials, coffee breaks, lunches, and the welcome cocktail on 9 July.
Note: The conference dinner on 10 July is not included in the student fee.
c) Accompanying persons may not attend conference sessions. The accompanying-person fee covers only the welcome cocktail on 9 July and the conference dinner on 10 July. Please email the conference organizers to register an accompanying person.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Open for abstract submissions:
1 November 2025 - Deadline for abstract submissions:
31 December 2025 - Notification of abstract acceptance:
15 January 2026 - Deadline for full paper submission:
1 March 2026
- Notification of full paper acceptance:
1 April 2026 - Final paper submission for conference proceeding:
1 May 2026 - Deadline for early bird registration:
15 April 2026 - Conference: 9 – 10 July 2026
© ZCBE 2026