Abstract
The built environment is one of the largest consumers of global energy resources, accounting for approximately 36% of worldwide energy consumption and nearly 40% of total direct and indirect CO₂ emissions (IEA, 2022). As environmental concerns intensify, especially in light of climate change, energy efficiency in buildings has become a critical focal point for achieving sustainability goals. In response, Net-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) have emerged as a transformative concept in sustainable construction. NZEBs are designed to minimize energy use and operate autonomously by producing as much energy as they consume on an annual basis (Li et al., 2021). Achieving net-zero status relies on the seamless integration of energy harvesting and storage systems, which together enable NZEBs to harness renewable energy and efficiently store surplus power for future use.