_{This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13 Climate Action.}

As the global construction industry strives to reduce its environmental footprint, sustainable processes and materials are becoming increasingly vital. Innovation in cement and concrete technologies plays a key role in minimizing resource consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing long-term resilience. This collection highlights research that advances both sustainable development and application of cement and concrete for the building sector.

Topics of interest include the development of low-carbon cement alternatives, recycling and reuse of concrete materials, 3D concrete printing, and other energy-efficient construction techniques. We welcome contributions from fundamental material research, to applied solutions and large-scale real-world demonstrations.

Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed the world’s first kilowatt-scale elastocaloric cooling device. The device can stabilize indoor temperatures at a comfortable 21°C–22°C in just 15 minutes, even when outdoor temperatures reach between 30°C and 31°C, marking a significant breakthrough toward the commercial application of elastocaloric solid-state cooling technology.

The research findings have been published in the journal Nature, offering a promising solution to combat climate change and accelerate the low-carbon transformation of the global cooling industry.

As global warming intensifies, the demand for air conditioning and cooling has been growing, with cooling already accounting for 20% of global electricity consumption. Mainstream vapor compression cooling technology relies on refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP).