Energy efficiency (EE) studies emerge to reduce fossil fuel consumption in order to fight climate change globally. This makes energy efficiency studies very popular, especially in the building sector. The highest-level application of energy efficiency studies in buildings is the passive house. However, even very efficient buildings are no longer considered sufficient, and the focus is on zero-energy buildings (ZEB). In this study, a literature review on zero-energy buildings is given. The need for zero-energy buildings and the reasons why they are needed was investigated. Legislations on zero-energy buildings are presented and the definitions of zero-energy buildings are given. In addition, the obstacles to the zero-energy building target are listed and a strategic road map is proposed to overcome these obstacles and achieve the zero-energy built environment.