This study aims to develop a comprehensive life-cycle roadmap for implementing net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) and net-zero carbon buildings (NZCBs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It identifies the main drivers and barriers influencing the uptake of NZ concepts across all building life-cycle stages and assesses how these affect efforts to decarbonise the built environment.
This study employed a structured multi-stage review strategy to explore current knowledge and gaps around NZEB and NZCB implementation in the MENA region. Relevant literature was identified through Scopus and Web of Science using a combination of backward and forward citation tracking, guided by five thematic domains: net-zero concepts, global WGBC roadmaps, building life-cycle stages and MENA-focused studies. The findings were then synthesised to identify key regional challenges, decision variables and enabling conditions, following the principles of the PRISMA framework.
The study highlights five critical life-cycle stages: design, construction, operation, end-of-life and reuse – each presenting distinct challenges and opportunities for NZCB implementation. Common barriers in the MENA region include fragmented policy, limited funding, insufficient awareness and socio-technical constraints. The research proposes a context-sensitive roadmap tailored to the MENA region, integrating international best practices with a localised challenge-driver matrix to guide future strategies.
The roadmap serves as a strategic guide for stakeholders – architects, planners, policymakers and developers – seeking to promote sustainable, low-carbon construction in the MENA region. It offers a foundation for shaping regulatory frameworks, investment priorities and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This is the first study to present a comprehensive, life-cycle–based roadmap for implementing NZEB and NZCB concepts in the MENA region. It bridges global decarbonisation frameworks with regional considerations, providing actionable insights to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero built environment.
