Net-Zero Now: Pathways to Accelerate Building Decarbonisation

Abstract

The global built environment accounts for a substantial share of greenhouse gas emissions, driven by energy-intensive operations, carbon-heavy construction materials, and ageing building stock. Achieving the climate commitments under the Paris Agreement and South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) demands an urgent transition toward net-zero carbon buildings. This paper explores strategic interventions that can fast-track decarbonisation across residential, commercial, and public infrastructure, combining technological innovation with enabling policies and market mechanisms. A structured, closed-ended questionnaire survey was administered to registered and practising construction professionals in the South African construction industry. The retrieved data were subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings from the EFA revealed five clusters: sustainable building advancement, policy and investment, building energy optimisation, comprehensive support, and sustainable design and technology integration strategies. The study concludes that achieving net-zero buildings at scale requires a coordinated “whole-system” approach, such as stringent regulatory frameworks, innovative financing, skilled human capital, and a cultural shift among stakeholders. South Africa’s experience can provide a template for other emerging economies, showing that rapid decarbonisation of buildings is technically feasible and economically advantageous when immediate and collaborative action is taken.