• Energy Research

A Carbon Footprint (CF) is defined as the total emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and is a specific type of Environmental Footprint that measures human impact on the environment. Carbon dioxide emissions are a major contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gases driving climate change. Wood, as a renewable and ecological material, has relatively low carbon emissions. The study aimed to review and analyze the criteria influencing the feasibility of constructing modern zero-carbon wooden buildings. The review was conducted in two phases: (i) a literature review and (ii) an assessment of existing buildings. The preliminary research led to (i) narrowing the focus to the years 2020–2024 and (ii) identifying key criteria for analysis: sustainable material sourcing, carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA), and innovative construction practices. The study’s findings indicate that all these criteria play a vital role in the design and construction of new zero-carbon wooden buildings. They highlight the significant potential of wood as a renewable material in achieving zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs), positioning it as a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials. However, the research also underscores that despite wood’s numerous potential benefits, its implementation in ZCBs faces several challenges, including social, regulatory, and financial barriers.

A Carbon Footprint (CF) is defined as the total emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and is a specific type of Environmental Footprint that measures human impact on the environment. Carbon dioxide emissions are a major contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gases driving climate change. Wood, as a renewable and ecological material, has relatively low carbon emissions. The study aimed to review and analyze the criteria influencing the feasibility of constructing modern zero-carbon wooden buildings. The review was conducted in two phases: (i) a literature review and (ii) an assessment of existing buildings. The preliminary research led to (i) narrowing the focus to the years 2020–2024 and (ii) identifying key criteria for analysis: sustainable material sourcing, carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA), and innovative construction practices. The study’s findings indicate that all these criteria play a vital role in the design and construction of new zero-carbon wooden buildings. They highlight the significant potential of wood as a renewable material in achieving zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs), positioning it as a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials. However, the research also underscores that despite wood’s numerous potential benefits, its implementation in ZCBs faces several challenges, including social, regulatory, and financial barriers.

BIM and 4.0 technologies are currently the leading branches of digitization in construction. The aim of this article is to confront theses on building information modeling (BIM) and coexisting technologies, and to present an analysis along with conclusions regarding the digitization process of AEC industries using BIM methodology and advanced digital technologies within the scope of 4.0 technologies. Key aspects of BIM and 4.0 technology integration were discussed, including artificial intelligence (AI) or big data and data science analytics. The impact of these fields on design processes, as well as on data management, monitoring of design and construction progress, and overall efficiency of AEC industries, was analyzed. The article pays particular attention to the synergy between BIM and 4.0 technology, identifying benefits, challenges, and development perspectives. Conclusions indicate the growing importance of interdisciplinarity for improving AEC industry processes and the need to adapt to the changing digital landscape in the field of design and construction. A survey was conducted, where respondents’ answers were presented in the form of charts. Questions focused on the issue of the use of BIM methodology along with coexisting technologies in the design process by the Polish engineering staff. The research results indicate that the use of the latest technological solutions in Poland is still rare, and the digital potential of these solutions is not fully utilized. The article can make a significant contribution to the discussion on technological evolution in AEC industries, identifying development directions in the context of digitization and the use of the latest achievements of 4.0 technology. Previous research has not included such a wide spectrum of BIM use in Poland. An analysis was conducted comparing Poland in a global context with other countries in BIM adoption.

BIM and 4.0 technologies are currently the leading branches of digitization in construction. The aim of this article is to confront theses on building information modeling (BIM) and coexisting technologies, and to present an analysis along with conclusions regarding the digitization process of AEC industries using BIM methodology and advanced digital technologies within the scope of 4.0 technologies. Key aspects of BIM and 4.0 technology integration were discussed, including artificial intelligence (AI) or big data and data science analytics. The impact of these fields on design processes, as well as on data management, monitoring of design and construction progress, and overall efficiency of AEC industries, was analyzed. The article pays particular attention to the synergy between BIM and 4.0 technology, identifying benefits, challenges, and development perspectives. Conclusions indicate the growing importance of interdisciplinarity for improving AEC industry processes and the need to adapt to the changing digital landscape in the field of design and construction. A survey was conducted, where respondents’ answers were presented in the form of charts. Questions focused on the issue of the use of BIM methodology along with coexisting technologies in the design process by the Polish engineering staff. The research results indicate that the use of the latest technological solutions in Poland is still rare, and the digital potential of these solutions is not fully utilized. The article can make a significant contribution to the discussion on technological evolution in AEC industries, identifying development directions in the context of digitization and the use of the latest achievements of 4.0 technology. Previous research has not included such a wide spectrum of BIM use in Poland. An analysis was conducted comparing Poland in a global context with other countries in BIM adoption.