Citation: Alghamdi, H.; Alviz-Meza, A. A Novel Strategy for Converting Conventional Structures into Net-Zero-Energy Buildings without Destruction. Sustainability 2023, 15, 11229. https://doi.org/10.3390/ su151411229 Academic Editor: Mohammad Hossein Ahmadi Received: 6 June 2023 Revised: 6 July 2023 Accepted: 17 July 2023 Published: 19 July 2023 Copyright: © 2023 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). sustainability Article A Novel Strategy for Converting Conventional Structures into Net-Zero-Energy Buildings without Destruction Hisham Alghamdi 1 and Aníbal Alviz-Meza 2, * 1 Electrical Department, College of Engineering, Najran University, Najran 61441, Saudi Arabia; haalghamdi@nu.edu.sa 2 Grupo de Investigación en Deterioro de Materiales, Transición Energética y Ciencia de datos DANT3, Facultad de Ingenieria y Urbanismo, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Km 5 Via Pimentel, Chiclayo 14001, Peru * Correspondence: alvizanibal@crece.uss.edu.pe Abstract: The majority of energy consumption is attributed to buildings. Buildings designed with en- vironmentally sustainable features have the potential to reduce energy consumption. The demolition of ecologically detrimental structures incurs expenses and damages the natural environment. The act of constructing models for the purpose of destruction was deemed superfluous. The replication of the structural model was accompanied by a modification of the design, and a variety of tactics were employed. The proposed upgrades for the building include the installation of new windows, incorporation of greenery on the walls and roof, implementation of insulation, and integration of solar panels in a four-story residential building in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Simultaneously installing insulation prior to changing windows will ensure that the energy consumption of the building, green wall, or green roof will remain unaffected. The installation of solar panels on the walls and top roof of a structure has the potential to generate a monthly electricity output up to two times greater than the structure’s consumption. The spas can be heated on a daily basis by substituting the heating system with solar collectors. The implementation of sustainable building practices has resulted in a significant reduction in energy consumption. Specifically, electricity, gas, heating, and cooling consumption decreased by 11%, 85%, 28%, and 83%, respectively. Keywords: green building; net-zero energy; electricity consumption; heating and cooling system; green wall; green roof; DesignBuilder 1. Introduction The utilization of fossil fuels has presented significant challenges on a global scale, with particular implications for the Middle East region [1,2]. These challenges encompass a range of factors, including environmental, economic, and political concerns [3]. Buildings are responsible for 60% of the world’s total energy consumption and make a significant contribution to the production and expansion of greenhouse gases [4,5]. The exploration of energy resources and renewable energy sources has been subject to re-evaluation, present- ing three prominent avenues for consideration. Another example is the optimization of consumption through a reduction in demand. The act of maximizing consumption has the potential to decrease the demand for resources derived from fossil fuels, thereby preserving these resources. Additionally, it serves as a foundation for the utilization of alternative resources [6,7]. Energy consumption, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions will be greatly influenced by urban development [8,9]. A reduction in energy consumption in the construction and housing sectors would yield environmental benefits by decreasing overall energy consumption. The implementation of energy conservation measures and the reduction in fossil fuel usage are expected to yield positive outcomes for both the economy and environment [10]. In the subsequent paragraphs, we shall examine the potential of sustainable and green Sustainability 2023, 15, 11229. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411229 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability