Global Practices of Net Zero Carbon Building Design And Construction

This report presents the key survey results from six countries/regions: Australia, New Zealand, Italy, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong, aiming to investigate current net zero carbon practices worldwide. The survey primarily targeted low-carbon building technologies, carbon estimating, and the enablers and barriers related to net zero-carbon buildings (NZCBs). A consistent survey template and content were used across all participating countries/regions, with only minor adjustments made by the country/region coordinators to suit their specific contexts.

The questionnaire was distributed to construction professionals in each country/region within a similar timeframe, and the results were collected and reported by each country/region coordinator and their team. Although a survey was initiated in the United Kingdom, the results are not reported due to very low industry participation. Instead, a brief literature review highlighting the current status and issues relevant to NZCBs in the UK is included in the report.

The report is structured based on each country/region’s results and sub-categorised into three main areas: low carbon building technologies; carbon estimating; and enablers and barriers of NZCBs within each country/region context. Each country/region had a unique number of respondents, used different survey distribution tools (such as Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey), and obtained relevant ethical approvals, all of which were handled by the respective country/region coordinators.

The results show a growing trend in the adoption of low-carbon building technologies worldwide. Energy-efficient systems, passive technologies, and renewable energy systems are the most common low-carbon building technologies globally. However, carbon estimation practices remain consistently low across all participating countries/regions. While some carbon estimation tools are well-known in certain countries, their application is limited. The enablers and barriers to achieving NZCBs also vary across countries/regions, but most face a similar set of significant challenges. These barriers include the lack of financial incentives, inadequate policies and legislation to support low-carbon buildings, and the prioritisation of cost savings over sustainability impacts.