International Journal of Technology and Applied Science

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Evolution of Green Building Concepts: From Energy Saving to Net Zero – A Review

Author(s) Dr. Hardik Dhull
Country India
Abstract The building sector accounts for a substantial share of global energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and natural resource depletion, making it central to achieving international climate and sustainability objectives. Over the last five decades, the philosophy of building design has evolved considerably—from a narrow emphasis on reducing operational energy consumption following the 1970s energy crisis to the contemporary ambition of developing Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs), Net Zero Carbon Buildings (NZCBs), and regenerative buildings that generate positive environmental impacts. This review examines the historical evolution of green building concepts, highlighting the technological, environmental, policy, and socioeconomic factors that have shaped successive generations of sustainable building development.
Drawing upon recent literature, international policy frameworks, and global green building practices, the paper critically analyses the transition from energy-efficient buildings to sustainable buildings, high-performance buildings, green-certified buildings, carbon-neutral buildings, and finally net zero and regenerative buildings. The review further explores the development of international building rating systems including LEED, BREEAM, GRIHA, IGBC, Green Star, and EDGE, demonstrating their role in accelerating sustainable construction worldwide. Recent advances in digital technologies, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Twins, Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy integration, smart grids, embodied carbon assessment, and life-cycle thinking are also discussed as critical enablers of next-generation green buildings.
The paper proposes an integrated conceptual framework illustrating the evolutionary pathway from energy conservation to climate-positive buildings while identifying the principal technological, environmental, economic, and policy drivers influencing this transition. Finally, emerging research directions involving circular economy principles, regenerative architecture, climate resilience, carbon-negative materials, and AI-enabled autonomous building management are presented. The review provides researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry professionals with a comprehensive understanding of how green building philosophies have evolved and where future sustainable construction is likely to progress.
Keywords Green Buildings, Sustainable Buildings, Net Zero Energy Buildings, Net Zero Carbon Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Carbon Neutrality, Regenerative Buildings, Smart Buildings, Sustainable Construction and Building Performance.
Field Engineering
Published In Volume 17, Issue 4, April 2026
Published On 2026-04-06
DOI https://doi.org/10.71097/IJTAS.v17.i4.1361
Short DOI https://doi.org/hb87td
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