Critical Success Factors to Limit Constructability Issues On a Net-zero Energy Home

The objective of this study was to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) to limit constructability issues on a net-zero energy home, in an effort to enhance sustainability and increase competitiveness in the residential construction industry. An extensive literature review was conducted to determine common constructability issues and to compile success factors identified previously by other researchers for traditional home construction. The CSFs were then narrowed to a group of thirteen CSFs unique to net-zero energy home construction. This framework of net-zero energy CSFs was supported by a case study of a net-zero energy home under construction in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Through the use of observational research on this home, the importance of each CSF was defined, and their contributions to a net-zero energy home was discussed based on evidence from the case study. CSFs and constructability issues identified in this research will assist the residential construction sector's continued effort to reduce energy use, enhance conservation, and promote sustainability through the support of net-zero energy residential construction. CSFs will promote sustainability by increasing the ease and efficiency of the design and construction of net zero energy homes which will in return make the homes more cost efficient to build and an affordable option for home buyers.