Implementing Zero-Carbon Buildings: A Technological Index and an Innovative Strategic Roadmap

Implementing zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs) can serve as a promising approach to reducing unsustainable emissions and decreasing the effects of climate change on the Earth. However, many countries face technological barriers that hinder the successful implementation of ZCBs. To end this, this study develops a technological index for implementing ZCBs and provides strategies with actionable examples to advance the implementation. Therefore, the study identified 17 technological barriers that hinder the implementation of ZCBs from previous studies, which were then used to create a survey for distribution to construction professionals through an online platform. A survey of 272 usable responses was collected and analyzed via principal component analysis, fuzzy synthetic evaluation, and sensitivity assessment. These analysis techniques were harnessed to develop the technological index of 3.50, which is inclined to be highly influenced. To reduce this index, the study proposes an innovative strategic roadmap based on insights from the literature, providing a practical guide for implementing strategies with actionable examples. The developed index, in conjunction with an innovative strategic roadmap, will help researchers optimize the current knowledge. It will also guide practitioners and policymakers to enable sustainable decisions in building construction projects.