The analyzed research issue provides a model for Carbon Footprint estimation at an early design stage. In the context of climate neutrality, it is important to introduce regenerative design practices in the architect’s design process, especially in early design phases when the possibility of modifying the design is usually high. The research method was based on separate consecutive research works–partial tasks: Developing regenerative design guidelines for simulation purposes and for parametric modeling; generating a training set and a testing set of building designs with calculated total Carbon Footprint; using the pre-generated set to train a Machine Learning Model; applying the Machine Learning Model to predict optimal building features; prototyping an application for a quick estimation of the Total Carbon Footprint in the case of other projects in early design phases; updating the prototyped application with additional features; urban layout analysis; preparing a new approach based on Convolutional Neural Networks and training the new algorithm; and developing the final version of the application that can predict the Total Carbon Footprint of a building design based on basic building features and on the urban layout. The results of multi-criteria analyses showed relationships between the parameters of buildings and the possibility of introducing Carbon Footprint estimation and implementing building optimization at the initial design stage.

The construction sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions and a major consumer of non-renewable resources. Architectural design decisions play a critical role in a building’s carbon footprint, making it essential to incorporate environmental analyses at various design stages. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and building information modeling (BIM) can support designers in achieving low-carbon architectural design. The proposed solution involves the development of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool. This study presents a novel approach to optimizing the environmental impact of architectural projects. It combines machine learning (ML), large language models (LLMs), and building information modeling (BIM) technologies. The first case studies present specific examples of tools developed for this purpose. The first case study details a machine learning-assisted tool used for estimating carbon footprints during the design phase and shows numerical carbon footprint optimization results. The second case study explores the use of LLMs, specifically ChatGPT, as virtual assistants to suggest optimizations in architectural design and shows tests on the suggestions made by the LLM. The third case study discusses integrating BIM in the form of an IFC file, carbon footprint analysis, and AI into a comprehensive 3D application, emphasizing the importance of AI in enhancing decision-making processes in architectural design.

According to the data collected in 2022 during 5th International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference organized in Abu Dhabi by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the global energy requirements show a negative impact on approximately 785 million people facing energy poverty. The long-term energy sustainability solutions should consider off-grid solutions in the planning of an energy mix and be considered as interim both in remote and already urbanized areas. These measures require integrated planning and partnering with local distribution networks. The review presents the development of photovoltaic installations in Central European countries. For more than 40 years, this area belonged to different regimes and joined the European Union at various dates. Hence, the development of energy policies and cultural and social expectations differ even when based on the Green Deal presented by the European Union in 2020. The outcomes prove that even with a variety of policy measures, the strongest boost can be given only by a set of national rules and financial incentives supporting the stakeholders. It should be noted that the advancement of PV often does not rely on climatic conditions, but more on the level of incentives undertaken by each country, as well as the general policy measures undertaken on the EU level.

This article outlines problems related to the location of facilities designed to treat the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW). Anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities are investigated as a treatment option, while taking into account the aspects of renewable energy generation. This research has been spurred on by the relationship between waste management, energy generation issues and spatial planning procedures. The analysis is focused on urban and semi-urban areas of medium and large cities. One of the most difficult issues associated with siting of waste processing plants is its integration with local infrastructures, avoiding conflicts and negative environmental impacts at the same time. This research aims to analyse possible locations for AD plants fuelled by OFMSW in Poland. Based on the experience gained from other countries and lessons learnt from the analysis of existing facilities in Europe, conditions for the location of this type of waste treatment plants have been defined, with the focus on economic, environmental and social issues. Most likely, the results of the multicriteria decision analysis for siting of municipal solid waste AD plants (M-BIST tool) could be transferred to other countries, especially those with a comparable GDP level and a similar framework for a waste management system.

Sustainable development has by now become an element deeply integrated in the everyday design. It has many shades and may be found under many names. We speak about resiliency in design and procurement of passive, ecologic, plus energy, or nZEB buildings. Nevertheless, if we look closely, we may distinguish certain characteristic ideas. First, sustainable development of societies and urbanization processes should be consistent on a deeper level than presently, and be included within design processes, organization, and planning, as well as modernization and redevelopment procedures of existing urban tissue. Secondly, urbanization should be perceived holistically, as an interaction and harmonious development of both natural and manmade environments, with solutions based on the best technical and technological standards available. Lastly, described ideas are achievable only, if we include continuous cooperation between urban planners, architects, specialist consultants, as well as energy-efficient interdisciplinary solutions to achieve high standard energy measures. One of the thresholds is economic feasibility; the other is health and well-being of the users which should always be discussed as a priority. This paper—outside a brief theoretical approach to initial procedures in design management—will dwell on transformation and modernization of an existing building belonging to the Warsaw University of Technology, one of the oldest universities in Poland, its founding dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century. In 2015, a Nordic Finance Mechanism grant dedicated to the nZEB technology transfer from Norway to Poland was awarded to a group of researchers from Warsaw University of Technology and NTNU Trondheim. The main aim of the project is implementation of nZEB knowledge in Poland, as well as preparation of two integrated concept designs for public (University) buildings as exemplary case studies which could act as the benchmarks for other public buildings.