To transform the landscape of zero-emission building design, Oxford University announces its collaboration with the ZEBAI project, a pioneering initiative backed by 3.8 million Euros from the European Commission’s Horizon Programme. The project, led by the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, aims to revolutionize the construction sector’s approach to carbon emissions by establishing demonstrator projects across four countries.
Revolutionizing building design through innovation
The ZEBAI project seeks to address the pressing need for decarbonization in the building and construction sector, which accounts for a significant portion of global carbon emissions. With over 18 academic institutes from 7 European countries coming together, ZEBAI aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.
At Oxford University, the Departments of Engineering Science and Physics will play a pivotal role in the ZEBAI project by focusing on characterizing and modeling material responses to temperature and mechanical forces. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the selection process of locally sourced building materials, the team aims to optimize material choices based on specific environmental conditions.
Optimizing material selection and design processes
Professors Sonia Antoranz Contera Antoine Jérusalem and industry partner Lurtis Ltd will integrate AI modeling into the material selection process. This innovative approach will streamline the design process, making it more efficient and user-friendly while ensuring cost-effectiveness and meeting environmental objectives.
Professor Jérusalem emphasizes the project’s potential to push forward the frontier of energy efficiency in future constructions by combining state-of-the-art mechanics with AI technologies. The research conducted at Oxford University will contribute directly to ZEBAI’s core objectives, including optimizing materials for different environments and ensuring cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability.
ZEBAI aims to revolutionize zero-emission building design through a comprehensive methodology incorporating analyses, decision-making processes, and holistic evaluations. By developing a database of well-characterized materials and assessing building performance across different climates, the project aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of future buildings.
Test cases across four countries
The project will implement demonstrator projects in Ukraine, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, serving as test cases to assess the methodology’s performance across various climates, usages, and building patterns. Through AI-assisted processes, ZEBAI aims to enhance the efficiency and user-friendliness of the design process while adhering to environmental quality and cost-effectiveness objectives.
The collaboration between Oxford University and the ZEBAI project represents a significant step forward in the global effort to combat climate change by revolutionizing zero-emission building design. With a focus on innovation, advanced materials science, and AI technologies, ZEBAI promises to set a new standard for sustainable construction practices, paving the way for a greener and more environmentally friendly future.
