Transitioning From Net Zero Energy to Net Zero Carbon Buildings: Integrated Design Strategies, Embodied Carbon Assessment, and Global Case Studies

The built environment accounts for approximately 40% of global CO? emissions, prompting a shift from Net Zero Energy Buildings (nZEBs) to Net Zero Carbon Buildings (nZCBs). While nZEBs aim to balance operational energy use through efficiency and renewable, nZCBs address total life-cycle carbon emissions, including embodied carbon. This paper offers a comprehensive analysis of global efforts between 2013 and 2024, integrating architectural strategies, life-cycle assessment (LCA) tools, and climate-responsive case studies from India, Turkey, and Australia. It proposes a unified framework to bridge the gap between energy neutrality and full carbon neutrality, emphasizing the role of passive design, digital tools, and policy alignment in realizing sustainable building futures.