Net-Zero Carbon Buildings: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience

Unofficial AI-generated summary based on the public title and abstract. Not an official translation.

🔬研究者:Provides a structured literature review of NZCB enablers and barriers, useful for framing future research on net-zero building transitions.

🏢実務担当者:Summarizes technological and policy pathways for implementing NZCBs, aiding corporate sustainability teams in building decarbonization planning.

🏛政策担当者:Highlights regulatory gaps and the need for integrated policy support, offering a reference for developing building carbon neutrality roadmaps.

The building sector is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for a substantial share of energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource utilization worldwide. As nations intensify their efforts to achieve climate neutrality and fulfil international commitments under the Paris Agreement, the concept of Net-Zero Carbon Buildings (NZCBs) has emerged as a critical strategy for reducing the environmental footprint of the built environment. Net-zero carbon buildings are designed, constructed, and operated to minimize carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle while offsetting or eliminating remaining emissions through renewable energy generation, energy efficiency measures, and sustainable construction practices. These buildings play a significant role in supporting sustainable urban development, enhancing energy security, and mitigating climate change impacts. This study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of net-zero carbon buildings. The paper explores the theoretical foundations of net-zero carbon concepts, reviews existing literature on sustainable building practices, and analyzes technological, economic, environmental, and policy-related factors influencing implementation. Furthermore, the study discusses key enabling technologies such as renewable energy systems, smart building technologies, energy-efficient materials, building information modeling, and digital monitoring platforms. The findings indicate that net-zero carbon buildings offer substantial environmental and economic benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, improved occupant well-being, and enhanced climate resilience. However, barriers such as high initial investment costs, technological limitations, regulatory gaps, stakeholder resistance, and knowledge deficiencies continue to hinder widespread adoption. The paper concludes that effective policy support, technological innovation, stakeholder collaboration, and increased awareness are essential for accelerating the transition toward net-zero carbon buildings and achieving global sustainability objectives

• openalex https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20622240first seen 2026-06-30 05:09:44