###### Abstract  
International pressures through global agreements such as the recent Paris agreement in 2015 have put stress on governments and industries to find lasting solutions for the built environment. The built environment was recognized as an important factor in reducing global emissions for the first time at the Conference of Parties (COP) 21 meeting in Paris through a dedicated 'Buildings Day.' The Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC) was also launched at COP 21 as a network to globally support zero emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector. The Paris Agreement brought all nations to collectively combat climate change with a view to limit temperature increases to no more than 2 degrees Celsius (\"C). Nations agreed to report their efforts through the monitoring program. In most countries, residential and commercial buildings spend a large proportion of their energy in lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and in various appliances requiring energy for operation. This paper takes a broad understanding of zero energy. Starting with buildings, the definitions also consider understanding zero energy and from a carbon perspective, considering going from beyond buildings to include precincts and cities. The paper brings an understanding of zero energy, its importance, and its urgency with respect to global commitments to reduce the impact of the building and construction sector and the role of governments and industries in supporting the lowering of emissions in the built environment now and in the future. Keywords:ZEB (Zero Energy Building); ZCB (Zero Carbon Building); zero energy; zero carbon; buildings; built environment +
Footnote †: journal: Applied  
emissions when upstream power generation is included. The sector needs to improve by at least 30% by 2030 [3]. In 2016, an estimated 235 billion square meters of total floor area had been constructed, and in the next 40 years, an additional 230 billion square meter buildings will be constructed [3], doubling existing built stock. Most of the building and construction are expected to occur in developing countries, particularly those countries that lack mandatory building codes. In the context of expected increases in the building and construction industry, this paper queries the significance of the role of energy use in the built environment. In most countries, residential and commercial buildings spend a large proportion of their energy in lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as in appliances. In the new growth regions of the world such as the Asia-Pacific and Latin America, cities are undergoing rapid building and construction, and, therefore, it is even more important in these countries that the new buildings cater to designs that support energy efficiency in buildings and the use of equipment and appliances in buildings [3,4]. The aim of this paper is to develop a better understanding of how emissions may be reduced using a zero energy buildings approach. The objective is to present an understanding to support decision making as a response to international pressures such as the Paris Agreement and to support the vision of organizations as the GlobalABC. This paper takes a broad understanding of zero energy. Commencing with buildings, definitions are provided that also consider carbon and go beyond buildings to include precincts and cities from a planning perspective. The paper brings the discussions together by also considering the role of governments and industries in supporting and lowering emissions in the built environment sector. The paper uses secondary literature to explain fragmented information currently existing to understand the role of zero energy in buildings and the built environment to lower emissions. Peer reviewed literature and internet sources are used to present a case to take a holistic approach.