A regenerative design approach to address Carbon Neutrality in construction. Methods and Tools to assess the ecological reliability of construction process.

Abstract The ongoing research at the inter-university center ABITAlab focuses on the transition toward carbon neutrality in the construction sector, emphasizing technological innovation with advanced materials using biogenic and bio-based materials to enhance sustainability indicators towards energy transition and carbon neutrality. The project aims to assess the ecological reliability of such materials, namely their ability to maintain long-term performance and minimize environmental impact. The adopted methodology utilizes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to distinguish between the ecological profile, which considers the ecological footprint of the material, and the environmental profile, which evaluates the overall environmental impact. This approach addresses two critical aspects: the temporal durability of the materials and their effectiveness in decarbonization. The research provides an experimental and technological response to conditions of uncertainty, proposing architectural solutions that integrate principles of circularity and innovation, as demonstrated in the case study of the People Pavilion in Eindhoven. This study suggests pathways for future research aimed at applying these principles in diverse contexts and analyzing their economic and environmental impacts, including implications for the construction market.