Status, Challenges and Future Directions in the Evaluation of Net-Zero Energy Building Retrofits: A Bibliometrics-Based Systematic Review

Qin Xiaoxiang, Yin Junjia (), Nuzul Azam Haron, Aidi Hizami Alias, Teik Hua Law and Nabilah Abu Bakar
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Qin Xiaoxiang: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia
Yin Junjia: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia
Nuzul Azam Haron: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia
Aidi Hizami Alias: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia
Teik Hua Law: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia
Nabilah Abu Bakar: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43300, Selangor, Malaysia

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-23

Abstract: Net-zero energy building (NZEB), an initiative to address energy conservation and emission reduction, has received widespread attention worldwide. This study aims to systematically explore recent challenges in NZEB retrofit research through a mixed-method approach and provide recommendations and future directions. A review of 106 documents (2020–2024) retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases found that the globalization of NZEB retrofit research is unstoppable. Assessment methods are diverse, ranging from modeling energy efficiency (using different software such as DesignBuilder 7.0, PVsyst 7.4, EnergyPlus 24.1.0, etc.) to multi-attribute decision-making methods (e.g., DEMATEL-AHP/ANP-VIKOR) and comparative analysis. Current assessment metrics are dominated by economic benefits (e.g., net present value, dynamic payback period, and total operating cost) and energy consumption (e.g., electricity consumption and generation), with less consideration of environmental impacts (e.g., carbon reduction), as well as comfort (e.g., thermal comfort and indoor comfort). The study found that current challenges mainly include “Low economic feasibility of retrofitting”, “Building retrofit energy code irrationality”, and “Insufficient understanding, communication, and trust between stakeholders”. To overcome these challenges, the study also proposes a framework of strategies to address them, including (1) maximizing natural space, (2) introducing a tenant equity system, (3) upgrading waste management, (4) strengthening energy monitoring, (5) establishing complete life cycle mechanisms, (6) providing systemic solutions; (7) promoting the use of low-carbon building materials, and (8) increasing policy support.

Keywords: systematic review; net zero energy building; Web of Science; Scopus; bibliometric analysis; retrofit challenges; renewable energy; sustainability; applied science (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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