SURE-Built 2026 — 2nd Global Scholarship for Sustainable Built Environment Research Conference

The SURE-Built 2026 Global Conference on Sustainable Built Environment Research examines the relationship between traditional knowledge systems, emerging technologies and sustainable development in the built environment.

Generative Artificial Intelligence is increasingly shaping design, planning, construction management, education and research. The conference asks how knowledge in the built environment is created, validated, shared and applied in that context — questions that matter particularly in developing countries, where local and indigenous knowledge systems play a significant role.

The conference continues the free-to-attend model of the SURE-Built series, reflecting a commitment to accessibility, equity and broader participation.

Keynote speakers

Professor Timothy Adekunle

Chair at the University of Utah School of Architecture

University of Utah · United States

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Mr. Ntando Teddy Khuzwayo

Membership & Education Lead (Sub‑Saharan Africa)

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) · South Africa

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Dr Simon Ofori Ametepey

Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development

Koforidua Technical University · Ghana

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Professor Alireza Moghayedi

Professor

University of West of England · United Kingdom

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Professor Celestine Iwendi

Professor

University of Greater Manchester · United Kingdom

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Professor Che Khairil Izam Che Ibrahim

Professor

Universiti Teknologi MARA · Malaysia

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Mr Bongani Dladla

Chief Executive Officer

Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) · South Africa

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Editorial and scientific committee

• Prof C. Aigbavboa, RSA — Conference Chair
• Prof B. Awuzie, RSA — Conference Co-Chair
• Prof D. Aghimien, RSA — Chair Conference Technical Committee
• Prof A. Oke, Nigeria
• Prof T. Omotayo, UK
• Prof L. Aghimien, RSA
• Dr N. Ngcobo, RSA
• Dr P. Tunji-Olayeni, Nigeria
• Dr O. Akinradewo, RSA
• Dr I. B. John, Nigeria
• Dr G. Mollo, RSA
• Dr N. Qumbisa, RSA
• Dr A. Moghayedi, UK
• Dr S. Belayutham, Malaysia
• Dr S. Ofori Ametepey, Ghana
• Dr E. Kissi, Ghana
• Prof S. Adekunle, Liberia
• Dr M. Ikuabe, RSA
• Prof O. Oguntona, RSA

Call for papers

Background

The SURE-Built 2026 Global Conference on Sustainable Built Environment Research examines the relationship between traditional knowledge systems, emerging technologies and sustainable development in the built environment.

Generative Artificial Intelligence is increasingly shaping design, planning, construction management, education and research. The conference asks how knowledge in the built environment is created, validated, shared and applied in that context — questions that matter particularly in developing countries, where local and indigenous knowledge systems play a significant role.

The conference continues the free-to-attend model of the SURE-Built series, reflecting a commitment to accessibility, equity and broader participation.

Objectives

• Bring together interdisciplinary experts to explore strategies for integrating Generative AI into sustainable knowledge creation and built environment development.
• Examine the role of epistemology in the GenAI era, particularly how knowledge is created, validated and shared within the built environment in developing countries.
• Foster innovation through emerging technologies, particularly in sustainable design, decision-making and predictive analytics.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration among architects, engineers, urban planners, environmental scientists, construction professionals and policymakers.
• Support sustainable development in developing countries by connecting traditional knowledge systems with modern technological advancements.
• Promote inclusivity and accessibility through a free-to-attend conference model.

Conference tracks

• Track 1: Built Environment Methodologies
• Track 2: Construction and Project Management
• Track 3: Digital Built Environment
• Track 4: Education in the Built Environment
• Track 5: Housing Science
• Track 6: Infrastructure and Industry Development
• Track 7: Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063

Research areas

• Construction Management
• Digital Built Environment
• Housing
• Infrastructure
• Project Management
• Sustainability
• Urban Development

Submit your paper

Submission and author guidelines

Authors should submit an abstract of no more than 300 words, together with a maximum of five keywords.
All abstracts undergo peer review by two referees. Authors whose abstracts pass review are invited to submit full papers.
Full papers should follow the conference guidelines and paper template.
Each submitted paper is reviewed by two members of the scientific committee.
Authors of accepted papers must be available to present at the conference for their work to be included in the proceedings.
Each author may be listed on a maximum of two papers.

Review process

Papers are read by the editorial office, then sent to 2 independent reviewers under a double blind model. Authors receive the reviewers' comments with the decision.

Registration

Free to attend. No participation fee is required.

The free-to-attend model reflects SURE-Built's commitment to reducing financial barriers and widening access to global scholarship, particularly for researchers and professionals in developing regions.

Contact

surebuiltseries@gmail.com

Programme

1. 01
   PDF Download the programme ↓

Accepted abstracts

For authors

Submit your manuscript

About this conference

Award scheme