Net zero energy buildings in Saudi Arabia’s residential sector: challenges, opportunities, and criteria identification
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper investigates the challenges, opportunities, and locally relevant criteria for implementing net zero energy buildings (NZEBs) in Saudi Arabia’s residential sector. This study combined five expert interviews with a survey of 43 practitioners to identify and validate a three-level hierarchy of NZEB criteria. The findings highlight the critical importance of thermal insulation, high-performance window systems, efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) design, and solar photovoltaics (PV) integration supported by energy monitoring and policy incentives. The novelty of this work lies in translating global NZEB concepts into Saudi-specific, decision-ready guidance for designers and policymakers, with potential applicability to other hot-arid regions worldwide.
Authors: Raed Alshammari, Amna Shibeika, Maria Vahdati
Institution: University of Reading
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204132272