Identifying the Role of Energy Policies on Development of Zero and Nearly Zero Energy Buildings in Developing Countries: A Literature Review

Harmful environmental pollutions, global warming, and the limitations of non-renewable energy sources have moved the building sector to reduce the environmental impacts of buildings during the operational period. Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs) and nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEBs) have been identified as a viable solution due to their crucial role in reducing the environmental impacts of the buildings’ systems during their operation period. However, the economic justification is one of the most significant barriers to the development of ZEBs and nZEBs. In this regard, given the significant role of energy policies in the economic justification of developing ZEBs and nZEBs, the present study reviews the previous studies evaluating the role of energy policies in increasing the economic feasibility for the development of ZEBs and nZEBs. The results of this study indicate that eliminating energy subsidies, considering the indirect costs of energy consumption, and investment in developing ZEBs and nZEBs could play the most critical role in the development of ZEBs and nZEBs by reforming energy policies in developing countries such as Iran.