Carbon technologies and decarbonisation strategies in buildings: A scoping review and conceptual framework

Global pressure on the built environment is rising to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. Many new technologies and strategies aim to cut building emissions, but fast growth has fragmented knowledge and reduced clarity. This study aims to map current carbon tools and approaches in the building sector. It uses a PRISMA-based scoping review of studies between 2023 and early 2025. As a result, 66 studies were identified from the Web of Science database and examined in detail. Using bibliometric analysis, this study identifies three key research topics and emerging themes within the field: (i) energy optimisation and renewable technologies in buildings, (ii) advanced modelling and Artificial Intelligence(AI) in building performance, and (iii) sustainable building design and life cycle assessment. Studies within each group were then analysed to generate in-depth insights into each category. This study introduces a novel theoretical decarbonisation framework to assess the intricacy of decarbonisation in the building industry. The framework comprises four stages and seven steps that can help identify practical approaches to delivering zero-carbon buildings. The outcomes of this research contribute to understanding the development of decarbonisation strategies and demonstrate their future advancements in this field.