Author(s): Pacheco-Torgal, F.
Date: 2026
Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/99503
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Project/scholarship: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/other/CEEC IND 2018/CEECIND/00609/2018/CP1581/CT0010/other;
Subject(s): Climate emergency; Built environment; Generative AI; Sustainability; Circular economy; Resilience
The accelerating climate emergency places the built environment under increasing pressure as both a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and a system highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Buildings contribute substantially to global operational energy use and embodied carbon, while much of the existing stock remains poorly adapted to changing climatic conditions. This paper examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving energy efficiency, enabling circular material flows, and enhancing resilience across the building lifecycle. Based on a structured synthesis of recent peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and documented case examples, the study maps AI applications in design, construction, operation, and end-of-life stages, including generative design, predictive maintenance, digital twins, and construction and demolition waste analytics. The analysis shows how AI can reduce operational energy demand, optimize material use, and support reuse and recycling strategies, while enabling new software-driven business models in the building sector. The paper argues that AI’s effectiveness depends on data availability, interoperability, regulatory alignment, and workforce capabilities, and that its benefits are maximized when integrated with circular economy strategies and supportive policy and financial frameworks. This integrated perspective highlights pathways for reducing emissions and improving the resilience of the built environment under climate stress.
