Explaining Positive Building Definition: A Review and Revision

To achieve a carbon dioxide (CO2)-free and energy-neutral environment by the year 2050, a unified global commitment is imperative. While current strategies predominantly emphasize improving energy efficiency and decarbonizing structures, effectively realizing climate change mitigation goals requires the formulation of a comprehensive agenda. In fact, to achieve climate change mitigation goals, it is critical to consider not just preserving but also regenerating the world’s severely devastated ecosystems and human populations. Going beyond the paradigm of high-efficiency building is essential for preserving and regenerating environmentally compromised ecosystems and human populations. The conceptualization of edifices characterized by positive impact and positive energy is pivotal in facilitating the transition toward a low-carbon global milieu. This study critically examines the discourse on Positive Environmental Buildings (PEB) and Positive Impact Buildings (PIB) through a comprehensive review of contemporary literature on environmental building paradigms, with a focus on works published after 2000, identified through Scopus and Google Scholar. The research adopts a dual-phase methodology, starting with the refinement of search parameters and the enhancement of the research strategy, and culminating in the extraction of pertinent data. The investigation meticulously explores concepts, definitions, and parameters of various environmental building design approaches. Following a meticulous examination of methodologies and objectives, the present study posits a descriptive framework and schematic for positive building design, derived from the discerned outcomes of the investigation. The delineated framework incorporates innovative strategies that transcend the confines of mere energy efficiency, encompassing a holistic consideration of the broader positive impact on both the environment and human well-being. This entails a pronounced emphasis on the integration of cutting-edge technologies, utilization of sustainable materials, and active engagement with local communities to foster the development of buildings that not only adhere to but also promote environmentally regenerative principles within their respective ecosystems. In conclusion, this research significantly contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding environmental building paradigms by advancing the conceptualization of Positive Environmental Buildings and Positive Impact Buildings. By proffering a comprehensive framework for positive building design, the study furnishes a practical guide for architects, policymakers, and stakeholders, delineating avenues through which they can meaningfully contribute to the global transition toward a sustainable and low-carbon future.