The way we built is evolving to deliver net-zero (energy and carbon) and healthy buildings. This process has been steadily adopted in developed countries. However, the housing demand is expected to be more significant in countries under development. In contrast, people in such countries face wide barriers and challenges to embrace the net-zero future. The Passivhaus standard has played a critical role in this process in North America and Europe. This paper explores how design research can be used to support the net-zero evolution using the Passivhaus standard as a building design model in Latin America while supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
Design research provides a comprehensive approach for research on net-zero and healthy buildings, construction, capacity building, and engagement activities involving academics, professionals, and policymakers. This work presents the lessons learned through 3 initiatives delivered in Latin America between 2020 and 2022. These initiatives developed using the Passivhaus standard are the LatamHaus network, the Ice Box Challenge delivery in Santiago de Chile, and a workshop with academics to shape a collaboration agenda for future projects. This paper aims to present a model that can be replicated to support the decarbonisation process in other countries of the Global South.