A comprehensive understanding of technologies, materials, and strategies for net-zero energy buildings

The building sector is significantly responsible for the world’s energy consumption and carbon emissions. Net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) have become an effective solution to move towards sustainability, maximizing energy efficiency, and minimizing carbon footprint. However, achieving net-zero energy targets requires a comprehensive understanding of building performance from the perspectives of technologies, materials, and strategies, for which existing studies have a knowledge gap. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap within existing studies through an empirical investigation. Based on a review of the literature, this study employs semi-structured interviews in the United Kingdom (UK) with industrial professionals experienced in NZEBs. The qualitative data collected from interview participants are analyzed minutely using NVivo to identify key themes and patterns, including 14 technologies, 12 materials, and seven strategies for NZEBs. Based on the literature review and, more importantly, the interview analysis, a conceptual framework is well established to describe an NZEB as a complex system that must incorporate appropriate technology adoption, careful material selection, and successful strategy implementation into consideration. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of NZEBs from a systematic point of view. It also contributes to the full fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations (UN).