Unlocking the Path to Zero Energy Buildings: Exploring Key Determinants for Success

Numerous nations grapple with energy challenges stemming from the depletion of fossil fuel reservoirs. Concurrently, the harmful ramifications of fossil fuel utilization manifest as carbon emissions, precipitating climate change by elevating global temperature thresholds. Some countries have plans to reduce fossil energy consumption and increase renewable and clean energy production. The Building Sector consumes a lot of energy compared to other sectors. Therefore, many countries have a target to achieve Net Zero Energy Building (ZEB), which means the total energy production is equal to the total energy consumption for a given building or a group of buildings by the end of each year. This study aims to investigate different variables that could be used to reach the goal of a zero-energy building. By considering energy factors when developing the building, this goal helps to lower the overall cost of energy use. In addition, it tries to reduce carbon emissions by balancing renewable energy sources with the primary energy source. The most potential factors were collected, then filtered and classified into five groups: Building Location, Building Design, Building Operation, Energy Sources, and Cost based on the impact of each parameter. For instance, Building Design includes building spaces, occupation, and HVAC Systems. This study concluded that net ZEB design depends more on building location, area, occupation, and residents’ behavior. Also, the study found that ZEB is in the developing stage and still needs a lot of work; therefore, many studies are required to cover this idea and standardize the ZEB concept.