Imagine a building that operates like a self-sufficient island, generating its own clean energy to power everything from lights to air conditioning, all while leaving no carbon footprint. That’s the essence of a net-zero energy building, a revolutionary concept poised to transform the real estate landscape.

Think of it as cutting the cord on your monthly energy bills, slashing greenhouse gas emissions, and attracting eco-conscious building tenants — all while potentially boosting your asset value.

The count of net-zero energy buildings worldwide will experience significant expansion in the coming years, according to the latest worldwide market study by ABI Research.

Net-Zero Energy Buildings Market Development

Driven by climate change imperatives, policy support, and maturing technologies, the market is forecasted to grow at a 29 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) through 2027.

“With buildings accounting for over one-third of global energy consumption, the real estate sector is under mounting pressure to embrace net-zero,” said Dominique Bonte, vice president at ABI Research. 

Governments, corporations, and society at large recognize the pivotal role buildings play in reducing emissions and energy use.

Despite currently representing just 0.023 percent of buildings across the globe, the net-zero segment is gaining strong momentum.

The study findings forecast over 5,500 commercial and residential net-zero buildings globally by 2027 — that’s up from 1,200 in 2022.

While net-zero energy buildings are still a niche market, this growth signals the accelerating transition toward high-performance real estate.

The evolution is enabled by progress across renewable energy sources, efficiency software applications, and sustainable building materials.

Solar photovoltaics, geothermal heating, and battery storage make onsite zero-carbon energy generation achievable and highly desirable.

Digital twin systems and building management software from companies such as Siemens, Schneider Electric, and Univers optimize overall building performance.

Moreover, carbon-storing materials and circular construction techniques reduce lifecycle impacts.

Regions leading the net-zero building adoption movement include North America, Western Europe, and progressive urban centers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Supportive government policies, technology leadership, and climate awareness will drive these markets.

Upfront, net-zero buildings carry a 5-19 percent premium for commercial and 5-15 percent for residential properties. However, the investment pays back an ROI over decades of operations through dramatically lowered utility and maintenance costs.

Demonstrating the positive value creation impacts for real estate owners and occupants remains a priority that must be communicated effectively to ensure that desired outcomes are achieved.

Outlook for Net-Zero Energy Building Investments

“Technologies now exist to make net-zero energy feasible at scale,” Bonte concludes. “But the real estate ecosystem must continue collaborating across construction, policy, finance, and technology to make it accessible and attractive for owners globally.”

That said, I believe the climate crisis and volatile energy costs have created a scenario where net-zero energy buildings are an investment in our collective future. They offer reduced energy costs and enhanced tenant appeal, plus a much-needed shift towards a sustainable future.

Adopting a net-zero strategy today means becoming an industry leader, attracting conscious talent, and contributing to a healthier planet. Truly, this is an honorable cause worth supporting and promoting.