Zero-Energy Buildings (ZEB) refer to buildings where the total amount of energy consumed is offset by
the amount of renewable energy produced on-site, resulting in a net-zero energy balance.
These buildings operate without reliance on fossil fuels, instead generating all necessary energy exclusively
through renewable sources. Two primary approaches to achieving ZEB are Passive Houses, which focus
on minimizing energy demand through high-efficiency building envelopes and design,
and Active Houses, which integrate renewable energy generation and advanced energy management systems.
According to a market report by the U.S.-based research firm Navigant Research,
the global net-zero energy building market is projected to more than double in size—from
USD 600 billion in 2020 to USD 1.4 trillion by 2035. This growth reflects the increasing urgency of carbon neutrality,
the need for energy efficiency in buildings, and the broader global trend of ESG-driven sustainability initiatives.
Consequently, domestic companies are also paying close attention to sustainable building solutions as a future growth opportunity.
In South Korea, the government has implemented a Zero-Energy Building Certification Program
since 2017 to accelerate greenhouse gas reduction and carbon neutrality. Beginning in 2025,
the ZEB certification will become mandatory,
marking a significant step toward nationwide adoption of sustainable building practices.