Barriers and Strategies for Implementing Passive House Design: The Case of the Construction Sector in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The global construction industry is facing pressure to reduce environmental impact by improving energy efficiency amid rising energy demands and growing concerns about climate change. Consequently, sustainable building practices, like the Passive House (PH) design, prioritize minimizing building energy demand. In Saudi Arabia, where cooling loads dominate electricity use, implementing PH could significantly lower energy demand. However, research on PH challenges in the Saudi climate is limited, which highlights the importance of investigating the barriers and potential solutions for PH adoption in this context. This study investigates barriers to PH adoption and proposes context-specific solutions for Saudi Arabia. A mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and structured questionnaires among construction professionals, was used. Thematic analysis and importance–performance analysis (IPA) helped prioritize barriers and identify strategies. By combining evidence from the literature and practitioner surveys, this study uniquely prioritizes PH adoption barriers and proposes tailored solutions for Saudi Arabia’s hot climate. The results showed that the most critical barriers include a lack of supportive building codes, the absence of government incentives, low awareness, contractor resistance, and limited material availability. At the same time, key strategies were identified, such as revising building regulations, offering tax incentives, and adapting PH design with improved shading and HVAC systems. Overall, these findings indicate that removing the identified barriers and implementing the suggested strategies can reduce energy demand and demonstrate the feasibility of PH in Saudi Arabia’s hot climate, thereby supporting the Kingdom’s broader sustainability goals.

1. Introduction

In the 21st century, the main issue in the global discussion on climate change, ecological transition, and sustainability is energy consumption. Energy has a profound impact on every aspect of our lives, from production to ultimate consumption. However, a large share of energy consumed still comes from fossil fuels, which are responsible for up to 75% of global CO₂ emissions. Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable sources requires significant investments in infrastructure, research, and development. In response to these global challenges, one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption in the building and housing sector is through adopting high-performance design standards that prioritize efficiency and sustainability [1]. One of the most effective ways to address these energy challenges, particularly in the building sector, is through adopting high-performance design standards that prioritize efficiency and sustainability. One such approach is the Passive House (PH) design, an internationally recognized standard that emphasizes high insulation, airtightness, and passive heating and cooling techniques. PH is a building concept originally developed for residential buildings in Germany approximately 25 years ago [2]. PH primarily focuses on achieving ultra-low energy consumption through strategies such as high-quality insulation, airtight construction, heat control, robust windows, thermal bridge-free design, and heat recovery ventilation [3]. PH buildings consume up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional buildings while ensuring comfort, affordability, and ecological sustainability [4]. Builders align with PH criteria by adhering to a heating energy demand of 15 kWh/m²/year, a renewable energy demand of 60 kWh/m²/year, and 0.6 air changes per hour [5]. Given this global context, it becomes crucial to consider how these energy challenges are particularly evident in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector, where extreme climatic conditions and heavy reliance on cooling systems intensify the problem.

In this context, Saudi Arabia—known for its extreme heat and dependence on cooling systems—represents an energy-intensive construction sector. The application of energy efficiency strategies, such as insulation, efficient glazing, and improved HVAC systems, results in a reduction of up to 67% in residential cooling energy demand in the hot climate of Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia [6]. Riyadh is facing rapid urbanization due to economic availability, causing energy consumption to rise every year at a rate of 4.5%; in 2022, it exceeded 9% alone [7]. The Kingdom aims to reduce the excessive use of fossil fuels in electricity production and is exploring new options to mitigate the threat posed by climate change while also decreasing energy consumption [8,9]. The use of PH is one effective strategy to achieve such an energy balance [10]. Adopting passive home design principles will help Saudi Arabia use more sustainable and energy-efficient building methods, reducing energy usage and costs [11]. Inadequate thermal insulation leads to inefficient energy use and increased operating expenses in many residential structures in Saudi Arabia [12]. It was found that applying PH principles to typical Saudi homes resulted in a significant 71% reduction in energy consumption. Energy-saving designs foster creativity in construction and encourage builders to develop modern and environmentally friendly techniques in the building industry. These buildings stimulate economic growth and the creation of new jobs. Moreover, energy-efficient buildings positively impact environmental sustainability [13].

In recent years, Saudi Arabia’s national income has seen a significant rise, accompanied by growth in residential, governmental, and commercial buildings. The residential sector, including small villas and larger apartments for new Saudi families, has experienced the most notable expansion. Saudi Arabia is expected to construct around 1.2 million new residential units by 2030, indicating a continued rise in electricity demand driven by urban expansion and population growth [14]. Unfortunately, over 71% of Saudi residential buildings lack energy efficiency and thermal insulation, contributing to poor overall thermal performance [15]. Inefficient design and a heavy reliance on air conditioning, which consumes a substantial portion of household electricity, further underscore the need for improved building practices to address the region’s escalating temperatures and energy consumption. Given these challenges and the variety of residential building types (villas, apartments) and sizes (1 to 3 stories) in Saudi Arabia, further research is necessary, as such conditions provide the rationale for investigating the applicability of PH principles in this context.

Addressing this gap, the present study aims to identify and prioritize the barriers to adopting PH in Saudi Arabia, evaluate the relative importance of the five PH principles, and propose strategic solutions based on survey analysis and participant weighting. This evaluation is crucial for understanding which PH principles are most impactful or feasible in the local context, especially given Saudi Arabia’s climate and construction characteristics. A literature review highlights both global and regional challenges to the implementation of PH, contributing to the prospects of successful adoption. Additionally, the research endeavors to provide valuable insights into sustainable urban development strategies for Saudi Arabia.

The outcomes of this research are expected to have significant implications for both global sustainable architecture and the local construction sector in Saudi Arabia. By identifying barriers and opportunities associated with implementing PH design principles, this research offers valuable insights to inform decision-making processes for stakeholders engaged in sustainable development initiatives. Furthermore, the findings are poised to advance knowledge within the realm of sustainable architecture and facilitate the practical implementation, management, and application of PH principles.

1.1. Review of the Related Literature

As previously defined by various researchers, a PH is a highly insulated structure that is primarily heated by passive solar radiation and internal heat gains from appliances, electrical systems, and cooking [16,17]. The cooling demand can be reduced by controlling summer heat through passive ventilation, window orientation, and shading [18,19]. Despite its significance, numerous barriers hinder the effective implementation of this approach. Barriers such as a lack of knowledge, regulatory issues, and financial challenges have been highlighted in previous research [20,21]. Another study, conducted in the context of the United Kingdom, identified limited awareness and understanding of the benefits of low-energy design among building designers and construction professionals as major obstacles [22]. Moreover, high transition costs were identified as a key factor contributing to the slow adoption of the PH concept in China [23]. A study on PH implementation in Portugal identified cost concerns, limited professional training, and lack of demonstrable projects as key barriers to broader adoption [24]. Adapting the PH standard to warm climates involves tailoring specific design requirements across various crucial aspects of building design [17].

Ref. [25] highlighted the multifaceted challenges in PH design, which encompass technological complexities, cost considerations, shortages of skilled professionals and training, and regulatory compliance. The intricate nature of PH systems, including insulation, ventilation, and heating and cooling, requires specialized knowledge for successful implementation. Another unique challenge of PH is the difficulty in obtaining high-quality raw materials and components, which affects the production and management costs of these projects. Additionally, the involvement of experts, including designers and builders, is increasingly challenging due to the specialized skills and professional training required [25]. Furthermore, climate conditions may pose additional challenges, as the PH concept must be adapted to different natural settings [26]. All the barriers identified during the literature review are summarized in

Table 1. Summary of the challenges.

No.	Challenge	Reference
1	High upfront costs	[21,24,27]
2	Lack of awareness	[24,28,29]
3	Building regulations	[4,28,30]
4	Skills shortage	[22,28,31]
5	Insufficient training programs	[24,31,32]
6	Complex design and construction processes	[4,21,28]
7	Limited availability of materials	[24,31,33]
8	Resistance to change from traditional methods	[21,28,33]
9	Energy modeling challenges	[4,11,22]
10	Long payback periods	[24,27,28,32]
11	Lack of incentives or government support	[24,27,30]
12	Regulatory barriers	[4,28,33]
13	Unfamiliarity with PH standards	[22,27,28]
14	Inconsistent quality control	[4,28,31]
15	Risk of overheating in hot climates	[2,21,31]
16	Challenges in achieving airtightness	[4,12,28]
17	Public misconceptions about energy efficiency	[22,27,28]
18	Challenges with integrating HVAC systems	[2,4,21]
19	Aesthetic compromises	[22,28,34]
20	Limited research on performance in hot climates	[4,21,31]
21	Conflicts of interest among stakeholders	[21,28,32]
22	Integration of renewable energy systems	[4,12,22]
23	The conflict between sustainability and economic viability	[21,27,28]
24	Lack of successful case studies	[4,22,34]
25	Resistance from contractors	[22,28,33]
26	Potential conflicts with local climate conditions	[2,4,21]
27	Need for continuous monitoring to ensure efficiency	[4,24,28]
28	Need for effective communication among stakeholders	[21,28,32]
29	Lack of economic justification for developers	[4,21,27]

.

1.2. The Construction Sector in Saudi Arabia and Its Challenges

In recent years, the construction sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone significant expansion, primarily driven by substantial infrastructure investments [35]. Despite facing challenges such as a worker shortage, regulatory complexities, and the need for skilled worker training [36,37], the construction sector remains a key contributor to economic progress [36]. The sector serves as a major source of employment and plays a significant role in the national GDP. Nonetheless, several issues confronting the sector must be resolved to guarantee its efficiency and sustainability in the long term [38]. This rapid growth, however, has also intensified the pressure on energy resources, making energy efficiency a central challenge for the sector.

One of the main obstacles is the high energy use associated with conventional construction methods. Air conditioning systems account for 70% of all electrical energy consumption in inhabited buildings in Saudi Arabia [39]. Due to its severe weather variations, Saudi Arabia experiences sweltering summers and comparatively cold winters. Air conditioners are used extensively and significantly contribute to the nation’s energy usage [40]. This extreme climate also increases the risk of overheating in buildings, making it essential to integrate additional passive cooling strategies when applying PH standards [41]. Consequently, improving construction practices and adopting energy-efficient building standards have become urgent necessities; for instance, a reduction in electricity unit consumption through the adoption of energy-efficient practices, as best expressed in PH, is becoming a trend nowadays. Sustainable construction methods, including energy-saving techniques, are being adopted to address the country’s energy challenges and to align with international environmental targets.

Using PH design principles can resolve these issues by significantly lowering energy usage and operating costs. Inadequate thermal insulation leads to inefficient energy use and increased operating expenses in many Saudi Arabian residential buildings. Applying PH principles to typical Saudi houses resulted in a significant 71% reduction in energy consumption; however, adapting these principles for hot and dry climates necessitates additional passive cooling strategies to achieve optimal energy performance [12]. This indicates that while PH can serve as a viable solution, its successful application requires addressing both technical and contextual challenges unique to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government has increasingly prioritized renewable energy as part of its strategy to diversify the nation’s energy resources. Industry professionals in Saudi Arabia’s housing sector are increasingly acknowledging the concept of sustainable housing and its potential to drive economic progress [42,43]. A vital component of the sustainability strategy is the cooperation of local administrations, developers, and the public throughout the building’s life cycle. The same study highlights the need to assess people’s perceptions of sustainability and their readiness to actively contribute to its implementation, promoting collaboration across various sectors [42,44]. Thus, achieving widespread adoption of sustainable practices requires not only government support but also societal acceptance and stakeholder engagement. Implementing sustainable housing in Saudi Arabia, given its sizable population, is a challenging undertaking. The Kingdom transitioned from a nomadic way of living in the 1930s to adopting sustainable building design in recent years. A significant challenge is persuading the population that this strategy is the correct one. Ensuring buy-in and shaping public perception are crucial to the success of sustainable practices. In conclusion, promoting PH design among stakeholders, including homeowners, developers, policymakers, and other key individuals, requires addressing the major barriers to its wider adoption. However, these challenges must be tackled through collaboration among policymakers, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups, alongside strategies that include financial incentives, training programs, and mass awareness campaigns. Taken together, these issues demonstrate that while the Saudi construction sector is expanding rapidly, significant barriers remain—highlighting the need for this study to systematically examine the challenges and propose strategic solutions for the effective adoption of PH principles.

Lastly, the study of the related literature revealed a significant gap in the understanding of the barriers and challenges faced by practitioners in adapting PH principles to global and regional contexts. While acknowledging the potential benefits of PH design in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability, a lack of comprehensive understanding remains regarding the specific hurdles faced by architects, engineers, builders, and developers. The objective of this study is to comprehensively investigate the barriers constraining PH adoption in Saudi Arabia. It addresses the limited understanding of these challenges and proposes prioritized strategies that provide actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and practitioners. These efforts aim to advance sustainable building practices and contribute to the Kingdom’s broader transition toward energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

2. Methodology

2.1. Research Design

To identify the barriers encountered in the various building industries worldwide and potential strategic solutions to overcome them, the research began by reviewing earlier studies on the adoption of PH design. The bottom-up strategy then concentrated on a thorough examination of earlier research in the Saudi building sector. This comprehensive literature review presents a detailed list of barriers and proposes corresponding solutions. The identified barriers are randomly listed and not arranged. Thematic analysis procedures were used to analyze and categorize these barriers through multiple cycles of qualitative data analysis.

After the thematic analysis, a questionnaire survey of the identified barriers was created for publication, and practitioners in the Saudi construction sector were targeted as the unit of analysis. The survey was conducted to evaluate the relative importance of the five PH principles, assess the criticality of the barriers to the adoption of PH design, and evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies to address these barriers based on the importance–performance analysis (IPA) methodology. Data were collected from the survey and then statistically analyzed. The results were also discussed. The research methodology comprises several key steps, as illustrated in Figure 1.

2.2. Data Collection

A structured questionnaire was used to assess the relative importance of the five PH principles, identify and evaluate the key barriers to PH design adoption in Saudi Arabia, and examine the perceived effectiveness and feasibility of proposed solutions and strategies. Only fully completed responses were included in the final analysis. The survey was distributed among professionals in the Saudi construction sector, including architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and building owners, to gather comprehensive insights into stakeholder perspectives. The questionnaire consisted of four main sections: Section 1 collected demographic and professional information. Section 2 focused on the performance evaluation of the five core principles of PH. Section 3 addressed the perceived barriers to the adoption of PH. Section 4 evaluated potential strategies for overcoming these barriers.

Participants were asked to rate the importance of the five PH principles using a seven-point Likert scale (1 = Extremely Not Important, 7 = Extremely Important) and to indicate their level of agreement with the identified barrier using a seven-point scale (1 = Strongly Disagree, 7 = Strongly Agree). For the proposed strategies, participants evaluated both their importance and effectiveness. Each scale point corresponds to a specific weight range, which was used to interpret the mean score for both the PH principles and the barriers. The scale and its weight range are shown in

Table 2. Seven-point Likert scale and weight ranges for ranking PH principles and evaluating barriers.

Scale	Level of Agreement	Weight Range
1	Strongly Disagree	1.00–1.86
2	Disagree	1.87–2.73
3	Somewhat Disagree	2.74–3.59
4	Neutral	3.60–4.46
5	Somewhat Agree	4.47–5.31
6	Agree	5.32–6.17
7	Strongly Agree	6.18–7.00

.

Also, the participants were asked to rate the importance and feasibility of each strategy using a seven-point Likert scale. Although the five-point Likert scale is the most commonly used in prior research to assess attitudes and perceptions, this study adopted a seven-point scale to allow for more precise responses [45]. Using the seven-point scale gave participants more options, reduced bias toward the middle, and provided a clearer picture of stakeholder perceptions. The results were subsequently analyzed using the importance–performance analysis (IPA) model to prioritize strategies based on stakeholders’ feedback.

2.3. Population and Sampling Techniques

This research population consists of practitioners in the Saudi construction industry. As the study focuses on the adoption of PH design principles, participants must be professionals with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience in fields such as engineering, architecture, contracting, development, and building ownership. The participants were randomly selected to form the sample, followed by a snowball sampling technique. The survey was distributed to professional engineers, who were then asked to share the survey link with their contacts to gather a wider range of responses. Since this method could yield participants whose occupation or education level does not meet the research criteria, all responses were subsequently filtered according to the established population criteria.

The methodological principle of data saturation was employed to determine when further data collection was no longer necessary. Two criteria were used to assess saturation, which included (1) the sample size, which was calculated according to the unknown population formula with the confidence level being 95% and the margin of error being <10%, requiring 96 participants; and (2) the distribution of each barrier’s response, which remained constant as the sample size increased, resulting in duplication of data collected. The combination of these methods (random selection, snowball sampling, and adequate checking for data saturation) yielded a sample suitable for analyzing PH principles and barriers and identifying strategic solutions when adapting PH design in Saudi Arabia.

2.4. Data Analysis Tools

From the data collected, both qualitative and quantitative methodologies were employed to interpret the findings and gain a comprehensive understanding of the identified barriers and potential strategies for adopting PH design in Saudi Arabia. Qualitative data were first analyzed using thematic analysis. The thematic analysis was performed to categorize the identified barriers in the list. The process underwent several cycles to reach the final categorization. It began with cycle one, and the objective of this cycle was to become familiar with the listed barriers. Then, the process moved to cycle two, with the main aim of identifying the common pattern of the barriers. Finally, the third cycle started to arrange the listed barriers under the specified patterns. Statistical analysis was performed on the survey data. The demographic and structured questionnaire responses were summarized using descriptive statistics.

The scores for PH principles were determined based on stakeholder survey responses, using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (Not Important) to 7 (Extremely Important). Each respondent rated the importance of various PH principles, and the final score for each principle was calculated as a weighted mean to reflect the collective perception of its significance. The calculation follows the standard formula: mean score = $\sum {\displaystyle \frac{(x_i+f_i)}{N}}$, where $x_i$ represents the Likert scale value (1 to 7), $f_i$ is the number of respondents who selected each value, and N is the total number of responses. Each scale point was also associated with a weight range (see Table 2), which was then used to interpret the mean scores. For example, a mean within 4.47–5.31 corresponded to “Somewhat Agree,” while scores between 6.18 and 7.00 indicated “Strongly Agree”. This ensured that the numerical values were directly linked to clear levels of stakeholder perception.

The IPA model was used to evaluate strategic solutions. IPA is a method that compares the importance of something with its performance. This process enabled a comparative analysis of proposed solutions by identifying areas of high significance and assessing which strategies performed well in relation to stakeholders’ expectations. Thus, providing actionable insights while also capturing both the strength and variation of stakeholders’ perceptions. Scale 1 in the IPA model represents an extremely not important evaluation as well as an extremely ineffective performance evaluation. The complete evaluation scale is presented in

Table 3. The seven-point evaluation scale for the IPA model.

Scale	Importance Evaluation	Performance Evaluation
1	Extremely Not Important	Extremely Not Effective
2	Somewhat Not Important	Somewhat Not Effective
3	Not Important	Not Effective
4	Neutral	Neutral
5	Somewhat Important	Somewhat Effective
6	Important	Effective
7	Extremely Important	Extremely Effective

. Standard descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyze the solution to the barriers.

Both methods of analysis ensured a comprehensive and multidimensional interpretation of the data collected, thereby enhancing the validity and reliability of the study’s findings and providing additional richness and analytical depth.

Lastly, the weighted scores used for the barriers analysis will define each barrier’s classification and determine the significant barriers. Additionally, the weighted scores were used to build the IPA model and evaluate each proposed solution in terms of its importance and performance, thereby recommending the best strategies for widening the adoption of PH.

3. Results

The following subsections provide a concise and precise description of the experimental results, their interpretation, and the experimental conclusions that can be drawn.

3.1. Preliminary Results of the Literature Review

Through the literature review, the barriers and solutions were identified. Then, a thematic analysis was performed to categorize the identified barriers, resulting in five significant categorizations (themes): Economic and Regulatory Barriers, Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges, Technical and Design Complexities, Climate and Environmental Constraints, and Skills and Training Gaps. The consolidated list of these categorized barriers is provided in

Table 4. Categorized barriers to Passive House (PH) design based on the literature review.

NO.	Barriers	Category	Ref.
1	High initial costs	Economic and Regulatory	[21,24,27]
2	Long payback periods	Economic and Regulatory	[24,28,29]
3	Lack of incentives or government support	Economic and Regulatory	[4,28,30]
4	Lack of economic justification for the developer	Economics and Regulatory	[22,28,31]
5	The conflict between sustainability and economic viability	Economic and Regulatory	[24,31,32]
6	Building regulations do not support the implementation	Economic and Regulatory	[4,21,28]
7	Regulatory barriers	Economic and Regulatory	[24,31,33]
8	Lack of awareness	Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges	[21,28,33]
9	Unfamiliarity with PH standards	Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges	[4,11,22]
10	Public misconceptions about energy efficiency	Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges	[24,27,28,32]
11	Lack of successful case studies	Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges	[24,27,30]
12	Conflicts of interest among stakeholders	Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges	[4,28,33]
13	Need for effective communication among stakeholders	Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges	[22,27,28]
14	Resistance to changing traditional methods	Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges	[4,28,31]
15	Resistance from contractors	Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges	[2,21,31]
16	Complex design and construction process	Technical and Design Complexities	[4,12,28]
17	Challenges with integrating HVAC systems	Technical and Design Complexities	[22,27,28]
18	Challenges in achieving airtightness	Technical and Design Complexities	[2,4,21]
19	Energy modeling challenges	Technical and Design Complexities	[22,28,34]
20	Aesthetic compromises	Technical and Design Complexities	[4,21,31]
21	Integration of renewable energy systems	Technical and Design Complexities	[21,28,32]
22	Limited availability of materials	Technical and Design Complexities	[4,12,22]
23	Inconsistent quality control	Technical and Design Complexities	[21,27,28]
24	Need for continuous monitoring	Technical and Design Complexities	[4,22,34]
25	Risk of overheating in hot climates	Climate and Environmental Constraints	[22,28,33]
26	Potential conflicts with local climate conditions	Climate and Environmental Constraints	[2,4,21]
27	Limited research on performance in hot climates	Climate and Environmental Constraints	[4,24,28]
28	Skills shortage in the construction sector	Skills and Training Gaps	[21,28,32]
29	Insufficient training programs	Skills and Training Gaps	[4,21,27]

. Additionally, various potential strategic solutions to overcome the barriers to implementing PH design were identified during the literature review, as shown in

Table 5. Potential solutions to overcome Passive House implementation barriers.

Strategic Solutions
S1: Offering government incentives and tax breaks.
S2: Running public and educational awareness campaigns.
S3: Updating building codes to support Passive House standards and speed up approvals
S4: Providing training and educational programs for professionals.
S5: Supporting and funding research and local production of Passive House materials.
S6: Setting standards for energy-efficient materials to boost their use in construction.
S7: Clearing misconceptions about energy efficiency and promoting Passive House benefits.
S8: Using shading, ventilation, and HVAC systems to optimize Passive House buildings for hot climates.
S9: Balancing aesthetics with advanced insulation and ventilation for sustainable design.
S10: Working together across public and private sectors to adopt Passive House principles.
S11: Implementing standardized quality control and certification protocols
S12: Encouraging flexible and modular building designs to meet Passive House standards efficiently.
S13: Developing skilled labor and training builders to support Passive House adoption.
S14: Conducting economic studies and showcasing successful examples to promote Passive House design.
S15: Developing simulation tools tailored for Passive House applications.

.

3.2. Questionnaire Results

Data and Demographic Information of the Respondents

The data were collected using an online survey on the SurveyMonkey site. The survey was distributed to practitioners in Saudi Arabia using snowball sampling techniques, where participants invited other participants. The invitations were sent online through SurveyMonkey to participants. After performing data cleansing on the completed surveys to remove any corrupt or inaccurate responses, the final number of surveys completed was 98.

Participants were asked to select their level of education, and the results show that 73.47% of the respondents had bachelor’s degrees, 14.29% had master’s degrees, 2.04% had Ph.D. degrees, and 9.18% selected diplomas or other qualifications. Additionally, participants were asked to indicate their role in the construction industry. The results show that 32.65% were architects, 38.78% were civil engineers, 5.10% were contractors, 17.35% were building owners, 1.02% were developers, and 5.10% selected “Other”. Participants were also asked about their years of experience. The results indicate that 18.37% had less than five years of experience, 52.04% had between 5 and 10 years, 25.51% had between 10 and 20 years, and 4.08% had more than 20 years of experience. Moreover, participants were asked about the type of projects they had worked on. The gathered data show that 30.61% had experience in residential projects, 26.53% in commercial projects, 3.06% in industrial projects, 35.71% in institutional projects, and 4.08% selected “Other”. Additionally, participants were also asked about the cost range of the projects they worked on. The results indicate that 11.34% worked on projects costing less than SAR 1 million, 34.02% worked on projects costing between SAR 1 and 5 million, 26.80% worked on projects costing between SAR 5 and 10 million, and 27.84% worked on projects costing more than SAR 10 million. Regarding project size, the data show that 21.65% of respondents worked on small-scale projects (less than 500 m²), 34.02% worked on medium-scale projects (500–2000 m²), and 44.33% worked on large-scale projects (more than 2000 m²). Finally, participants were asked about the geographical location of their projects within Saudi Arabia. The results show that 62.89% of the projects were in the Central Region, 3.09% in the Northern Region, 14.43% in the Southern Region, 5.15% in the Eastern Region, 12.37% in the Western Region, and 2.06% in the “Other” category.

3.3. Data Evaluation of the Importance of Passive House Design Principles

In this part, the focus is on assessing the perceived importance of PH principles among stakeholders. Knowing the priority of these principles enables designers and decision-makers to concentrate on the most impactful aspects first, optimize design strategies for maximum energy savings and comfort, and ensure that investments and resources are allocated where they will achieve the highest performance gains in PH projects.

Table 6. Ranking of key PH principles based on their perceived importance.

Principle	Mean	Rank
Thermal Insulation	6.69	1
High-Performance Windows	6.37	2
Airtightness	5.98	3
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery	5.96	4
Thermal Bridge-Free Design	5.32	5

presents the ranking of key PH principles based on perceived importance derived from calculated mean scores in the survey. Thermal insulation received the highest score (6.69), confirming its crucial role in PH design. High-performance windows followed (6.37), indicating their importance in minimizing heat transfer and improving overall thermal comfort, which directly contributes to lower energy demand in hot climates. Airtightness and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery were rated similarly (5.98 and 5.96), highlighting their combined role in minimizing energy loss and preserving indoor air quality. Thermal bridge-free design, while still rated positively (5.32), appeared to be relatively less prioritized by respondents.

These results align with [46], which emphasized that “good insulation, better windows, heat recovery, and airtightness will be even more important than they are today,” reaffirming insulation as a cornerstone of PH principles. A simulation study by [47] further supports this finding, showing that increasing insulation thickness contributed most significantly to reducing heating demand by 62% and cooling demand by 72% in a warm-climate PH model.

3.4. Evaluation of the Barriers to Implementing Passive House

The survey results provide insights into the key factors that hinder the implementation of PH design in Saudi Arabia. These barriers were categorized into five main groups: economic and regulatory, awareness and stakeholder, technical and design, climate and environmental, and skills and training.

Table 7. Weighted scores and agreement levels of identified barriers to implementing Passive House design.

NO.	Barriers	Score	Level of Agreement
Barriers Related to Economic and Regulatory Barriers:
1	High initial costs	4.58	Somewhat Agree
2	Long payback periods	4.67	Somewhat Agree
3	Lack of incentives or government support	5.52	Agree
4	Lack of economic justification for developer	5.23	Somewhat Agree
5	The conflict between sustainability and economic viability	3.73	Neutral
6	Building regulations do not support the implementation	5.59	Agree
7	Regulatory barriers	5.21	Somewhat Agree
Barriers Related to Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges
8	Lack of awareness	5.97	Agree
9	Unfamiliarity with Passive House standards	5.91	Agree
10	Public misconceptions about energy efficiency	5.38	Agree
11	Lack of successful case studies	5.96	Agree
12	Conflicts of interest among stakeholders	5.72	Agree
13	Need for effective communication among stakeholders	5.62	Agree
14	Resistance to changing traditional methods	5.53	Agree
15	Resistance from contractors	5.84	Agree
Barriers Related to Technical and Design Complexities
16	Complex design and construction process	4.46	Neutral
17	Challenges with integrating HVAC systems	4.62	Somewhat Agree
18	Challenges in achieving airtightness	4.67	Somewhat Agree
19	Energy modeling challenges	4.85	Somewhat Agree
20	Aesthetic compromises	4.01	Neutral
21	Integration of renewable energy systems	4.74	Somewhat Agree
22	Limited availability of materials	5.60	Agree
23	Inconsistent quality control	5.81	Agree
24	Need for continuous monitoring	5.90	Agree
Barriers Related to Climate and Environmental Constraints
25	Risk of overheating in hot climates	4.66	Somewhat Agree
26	Potential conflicts with local climate conditions	4.36	Neutral
27	Limited research on performance in hot climates	5.86	Agree
Barriers Related to Skills and Training Gaps
28	Skills shortage in the construction sector	5.88	Agree
29	Insufficient training programs	5.97	Agree

presents all identified barriers along with their weighted scores, with the average adjusted by importance of responses, agreement levels, and respective categories.

3.4.1. Evaluation of Barriers Related to Economic and Regulatory Factors

The respondents were asked at what level they agree that the economic and regulatory factors act as barriers to implementing PH design in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry. Each respondent rated the significance of various barriers, and the final score for each barrier was calculated as a weighted mean, ensuring an objective assessment of its perceived impact. The identified highest-rated barrier was the lack of supportive building regulations, indicating that existing regulatory frameworks pose significant challenges to the adoption of PH principles. Similarly, the absence of government incentives or financial support emerged as a major concern, suggesting that economic constraints hinder widespread implementation. Economic feasibility was also highlighted as a critical issue, with long payback periods and high initial costs being perceived as notable barriers. Additionally, regulatory barriers and the lack of economic justification for developers reflect the broader challenges related to financial viability and market acceptance. Interestingly, the perceived conflict between sustainability and economic viability received the lowest score, indicating that while some stakeholders recognize this issue, it is not viewed as a predominant barrier compared to regulatory and financial concerns. These findings underscore the need for policy reforms, targeted financial incentives, and industry-wide awareness to facilitate the adoption of PH standards. These barriers are summarized in Table 7.

3.4.2. Evaluation of Awareness and Stakeholder Challenge Barriers

This part outlines the barriers related to limited awareness and stakeholder attitudes, which were found to significantly affect the adoption of PH principles, based on the survey results presented in Table 7. Lack of awareness and unfamiliarity with PH standards emerged as the most significant barriers, indicating that many stakeholders are not well-informed about the principles and benefits of energy-efficient design. Similarly, public misconceptions about energy efficiency highlight the need for targeted education and awareness campaigns to correct misinformation. The absence of successful case studies was also identified as a major challenge, suggesting that demonstrating real-world applications could help build confidence in PH designs. Conflicts of interest among stakeholders and the need for effective communication underscore the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement in overcoming resistance to change.

Additionally, resistance to changing traditional construction methods and contractors’ reluctance due to cost concerns or lack of knowledge indicate that industry professionals may require further training and incentives to embrace energy-efficient building techniques.

3.4.3. Evaluation of Technical and Design Complexity Barriers

Table 7 presents the technical and design complexities along with the other barrier categories. The complexity of the design and construction process shows that while some stakeholders recognize its challenges, others may find them manageable. Similarly, aesthetic compromises suggest mixed opinions on whether PH principles limit architectural flexibility. On the other hand, challenges with integrating HVAC systems, achieving airtightness, energy modelling difficulties, and integration of renewable energy systems highlight a broad recognition of technical difficulties that require specialized expertise, better planning, and access to advanced tools to ensure successful implementation. The limited availability of materials and inconsistent quality control reflect widespread concern over the supply chain and the need for regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with PH standards. Additionally, the need for continuous monitoring indicates that stakeholders acknowledge the importance of long-term performance tracking to maintain energy efficiency and sustainability.

3.4.4. Evaluation of Climate and Environmental Constraint Barriers

The evaluation of climate and environmental constraints highlights key challenges in implementing PH design in hot climates. The risk of overheating in such climates shows that temperature regulation is a significant concern. Additionally, potential conflicts between PH principles and local climatic conditions suggest mixed perspectives on its impact. However, there is a lack of research on PH performance in hot climates. This finding underscores the need for further studies, climate-specific adaptations, and innovative cooling solutions to enhance the feasibility and effectiveness of PH design in hot regions.

3.4.5. Evaluation of Barriers Related to Skills and Training Gaps

The findings highlight a significant challenge in the construction sector related to skills shortages and inadequate training programs for implementing PH principles, indicating a strong consensus among respondents that the current workforce lacks the necessary expertise and that training opportunities are insufficient. These results underscore the need for enhanced education and professional development initiatives to bridge the skills gap and support the adoption of energy-efficient building practices. Addressing these barriers through targeted training programs and industry collaboration will be crucial for the successful implementation of PH design in the construction sector.

In summary, the results show that the most critical barriers to PH adoption are related to awareness and stakeholder challenges as well as skills and training gaps, since they reflect limited knowledge, lack of case studies, and insufficient expertise. Economic and regulatory barriers are also important, mainly the absence of supportive codes and incentives, while technical, design, and climate-related issues were noted but considered relatively less significant.

3.5. Evaluation of Potential Solutions to Overcome Barriers to Implementing Passive House

The research aim was to explore strategic solutions for increasing PH adoption in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry. Key stakeholders, including architects, civil engineers, contractors, and building owners, were shown a list of potential solutions to assess their viability. The collected data were analyzed using the IPA model to obtain the most properly designed recommendations that can improve the implementation of PH design. The midpoints for the IPA model quadrants were determined based on the mean values of the importance and performance scores of all evaluated strategies. According to standard IPA methodology [48], the intersection point of the axes in the IPA grid is typically set at the mean of the overall importance and performance scores. This approach was used in this research to objectively and accurately classify the strategies into four quadrants, facilitating clear prioritization based on stakeholders’ perspectives. The detailed importance and performance scores for each proposed solution are summarized in

Table 8. Importance and performance scores of strategic solutions for overcoming barriers to implementing PH design.

Strategic Solutions	I	P
S1: Offering government incentives and tax breaks.	6.23	5.90
S2: Running public and educational awareness campaigns.	5.93	5.42
S3: Updating building codes to support Passive House standards and speed up approvals.	6.16	6.08
S4: Providing training and educational programs for professionals.	5.98	5.54
S5: Supporting and funding research and local production of Passive House materials.	6.14	5.82
S6: Setting standards for energy-efficient materials to boost their use in construction.	6.00	5.88
S7: Clearing misconceptions about energy efficiency and promoting Passive House benefits.	5.63	5.23
S8: Using shading, ventilation, and HVAC systems to optimize Passive House buildings for hot climates.	6.09	6.06
S9: Balancing aesthetics with advanced insulation and ventilation for sustainable design.	5.65	5.56
S10: Working together across public and private sectors to adopt Passive House principles.	5.81	5.56
S11: Implementing standardized quality control and certification protocols.	5.68	5.84
S12: Encouraging flexible and modular building designs to meet Passive House standards efficiently.	5.63	5.31
S13: Developing skilled labor and training builders to support Passive House adoption.	5.96	5.36
S14: Conducting economic studies and showcasing successful examples to promote Passive House design.	6.11	5.56
S15: Developing simulation tools tailored for Passive House applications.	5.34	5.12

, and the resulting analysis is illustrated in the IPA model shown in Figure 2.

3.6. First Quadrant

Those that fall within the first quadrant represent areas of high importance but low performance. They are essential to the success of PH implementation yet require further development and targeted support to improve their impact. This quadrant includes S14 (economic studies and PH case promotion), S4 (professional training programs), S2 (public and educational awareness), and S13 (skilled labor development for PH construction). By providing targeted interventions and adjusting policies or awareness, these solutions can be strengthened and achieve greater effectiveness.

3.7. Second Quadrant

The second quadrant includes strategies that are both highly important and currently performing well in promoting PH adoption. These solutions have shown positive outcomes and should be prioritized for continued support and scaling. This quadrant includes S6 (standardization of energy-efficient materials), S5 (research and local production of PH materials), S1 (government incentives and tax relief), S8 (climate-responsive design through shading and HVAC optimization), and S3 (regulatory adjustments to support PH implementation). As these measures are already effective, sustained investment through policy backing, financial mechanisms, and continued research will ensure their long-term success and broader deployment.

3.8. Third Quadrant

Strategies in this quadrant are characterized by both low perceived importance and low current performance. They are considered a lower priority within the current implementation landscape of PH in Saudi Arabia. Included in this group are S9 (balancing aesthetics with energy efficiency), S12 (modular construction potential), S7 (correcting misconceptions about PH), and S10 (public-private cooperation initiatives). While these strategies may offer some marginal benefits, their limited perceived impact suggests that they should not be prioritized for immediate implementation. Future consideration could be given if stakeholder perceptions shift or if further evidence of effectiveness emerges.

3.9. Fourth Quadrant

Solutions that have good performance but are not considered central to driving PH adoption are in the fourth quadrant. Although these strategies have been used effectively, their contribution to overcoming crucial PH barriers remains marginal. This quadrant’s main strategy is S11 (uniform quality management and quality certification). These do not address the most serious barriers to PH implementation, though one of them—holding the construction quality standards high—is important. Consistent certification practices will also help ensure the sustainability of PH adoption in the long term. According to [48], the Fourth Quadrant (High Performance—Low Importance) strategies are functioning well but do not address critical issues.

4. Discussion

This research aims to investigate the barriers to adopting PH design principles in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry and proposes strategic solutions to address these challenges. The outcome of this research revealed that practitioners face multifaceted obstacles rooted in economic, regulatory, technical, and socio-cultural factors.

4.1. Barriers Related to Economic and Regulatory Challenges

This research revealed that, for economic and regulatory identified barriers, the lack of supportive building regulations is the highest-rated barrier. This aligns with previous research [22], which highlights how regulatory uncertainty and the removal of strict energy policies have impeded the adoption of low-energy building standards. Developers believe PH is commercially challenging without explicit mandates and incentives, which emphasizes the need for more robust legislative frameworks to drive its deployment [22]. The absence of government incentives also reinforces this point of view [49,50]. This absence of financial support discourages developers and stakeholders from prioritizing energy-efficient building practices, ultimately slowing the adoption of PH principles. Furthermore, a plausible factor could be the availability of subsidies for fossil fuels and low government pressure on the energy economy. Such subsidies play a starring role in slowing down the adoption of energy-efficient building practices by making conventional energy artificially cheap and reducing the economic motivation to invest in sustainable alternatives. This research work recommends—based on the IPA model—overcoming these barrier categories in two ways. Firstly, it is recommended that building codes be updated to incorporate PH standards (S3) to streamline approval processes and minimize administrative delays. Additionally, offering tax incentives for PH-compliant projects (S1) can enhance the financial appeal of PH design by lowering developers’ initial costs. Second, for economic justification, conduct a cost-benefit analysis (S14) to highlight long-term savings and incentivize developers, as it will help motivate the interested parties to put long-term benefits ahead of immediate costs.

4.2. Barriers Related to Awareness and Stakeholder Challenges

In this research, the lack of awareness was identified as a critical barrier, which aligns with prior research by [28,51], which highlighted a significant knowledge gap in the construction industry. This reinforces the conclusion that lack of awareness is a critical barrier to its adoption, followed by unfamiliarity with PH standards, an observation consistent with [28], which highlights that builders have limited awareness of PH principles. After this, resistance from contractors was also identified as a significant barrier to the implementation of PH designs. This resistance is often driven by a reluctance to change long-established building practices. A possible explanation for these barriers might be due to limited education on its benefits. PH remains uncommon in the Saudi construction industry. Meanwhile, clients prioritize lower initial costs over long-term savings. Contractors also avoid PH because of its perceived complexity. To address these barriers, it is recommended to launch public and industrial workshops for awareness campaigns (S2) and to conduct training programs (S4). These solutions will clarify misunderstandings about PH and encourage clients and developers to demand energy-efficient designs. Additionally, they will help create a skilled workforce capable of implementing PH principles. A second recommendation for addressing these barriers is to develop a skilled workforce and provide specialized training for builders (S13). This will ensure that professionals are well-equipped to implement PH techniques, reduce contractor resistance, and facilitate a smoother adoption of PH design.

4.3. Barriers Related to Technical and Design Complexities

This study identified the need for continuous monitoring as one of the critical barriers in PH implementation, as design revisions require ongoing assessment to ensure compliance with energy performance standards. Without consistent evaluation, it becomes challenging to meet energy efficiency goals throughout the project. This challenge has been highlighted by a previous study [31], which emphasized the need for iteration. Globally, construction projects already struggle with delays, cost overruns, and quality issues [52,53], challenges that real-time energy monitoring could further amplify. In Saudi Arabia, construction projects often face delays, cost escalations, and quality concerns, reflecting persistent execution challenges [54]. Moreover, as systematic monitoring and evaluation are often given less priority than other project phases [55], PH monitoring may face low adoption, stakeholder resistance, and operational hurdles. The limited availability and high costs of sustainable building materials have been identified as a high-impact barrier to the implementation of PH design. Challenges in sourcing essential materials have been highlighted as significant contributors to project delays and cost escalations [31]. The study categorized this issue as having a high severity rating, emphasizing its critical role in hindering the adoption of energy-efficient construction practices. Construction material shortages have been identified as one of the most critical factors contributing to project delays in Saudi Arabia [56]. The study categorized material shortages as an ‘unacceptable risk,’ highlighting the urgent need for a more reliable and efficient supply chain to support sustainable construction. Given that PH design relies on specialized, high-performance materials, their limited availability further complicates its adoption in the region. An explanation for this is that the Saudi region requires specialized materials to meet the strict airtightness standards of PH design, but because of low interest in PH materials, they are difficult to obtain in the Saudi market. To overcome these challenges, it is recommended to fund the local production of PH materials (S5), as it will reduce the overall dependency on imported materials from other countries, which will lower the costs and ensure supply chain reliability. Secondly, establish a quality certification (S11), as it will help achieve quality and reduce mistakes during installation.

4.4. Barriers Related to Climate and Environmental Constraints

This study identified limited research on PH in hot climates as the most critical barrier. This barrier exists because the extreme heat in Saudi Arabia requires adapting PH standards, yet there is limited research to guide this adaptation. Furthermore, the scarcity of methodological instruments and the lack of standardization are considered significant barriers to the implementation of PH in hot climates, as they hinder accurate performance assessments and the development of climate-specific adaptations [21]. Due to a lack of information on PH performance under these circumstances, stakeholders are reluctant. The recommendation to overcome this barrier will be to fund studies on shading, ventilation, and HVAC optimization (S8), such as enhancing system efficiency, integrating heat recovery ventilation (HRV), and applying smart control strategies [57], particularly when combined with effective insulation and glazing to reduce cooling demand and mitigate overheating in hot climates, as it will provide data-driven solutions to overheating, enhancing PH feasibility in arid regions. In practice, shading adaptations in hot climates—such as optimizing window orientation and employing external shading devices—can play a key role in controlling solar heat gains and minimizing the risk of overheating.

4.5. Barriers Related to Skills and Training Gaps

This study identified skills shortages as critical, followed by insufficient training programs. These barriers exist mainly due to the lack of specialized industry training and the continued reliance on traditional construction practices, as supported by [28], who emphasized that limited practical training restricts the application of PH principles. Also, energy-efficient design is rarely covered in academic programs. The recommendation to overcome these barriers will be to launch PH certification programs (S13), as they will develop a qualified workforce of PH-certified professionals and address skills gaps. Secondly, teach the PH concept in engineering courses (S4), as it will ensure long-term industry readiness by providing PH knowledge to aspiring engineers in colleges.

4.6. Study Implications

The practical implications of this research hold substantial significance for all stakeholders involved in the adoption of PH design in Saudi Arabia. Adopting PH principles can significantly enhance energy efficiency and thermal comfort in buildings. The study findings highlight that regulatory challenges, limited awareness, and insufficient financial incentives are the primary barriers to PH adoption. Implementing strategies such as updating building codes, introducing government incentives, and expanding training programs can accelerate PH adoption and reduce energy consumption in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector. Additionally, previous studies have shown that PH buildings consume up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling compared to conventional buildings, making them an effective solution for sustainable urban development [31].

In terms of theoretical implications, this study provides researchers with a clear foundation for further work on PH in hot climates. Future studies should investigate the main factors causing the identified barriers and explore more solutions and alternative analysis methods to compare and recommend the most effective strategies for increasing PH adoption.

In terms of management ramifications, this study offers decision-makers and stakeholders in the construction sector specific steps to improve the adoption of PH in Saudi Arabia. It suggests adding PH criteria to building codes and lowering cost hurdles by providing tax advantages and government incentives. In order to address the skills gap, it also emphasizes the necessity of specific training and certification programs for engineers, contractors, and builders. Reducing opposition and increasing stakeholders’ understanding can be achieved by sharing successful local projects and launching awareness campaigns. Lastly, consistent energy performance and dependable implementation will be ensured by encouraging local manufacture of high-performance materials and establishing precise quality certification criteria.

In the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, integrating climate-specific PH strategies, such as optimized shading, passive cooling techniques, and efficient HVAC systems, can enhance building performance while ensuring economic feasibility. Furthermore, demonstrating successful PH case studies in hot climates can encourage developers and policymakers to integrate PH principles into mainstream construction practices.

5. Conclusions

This study investigated the key barriers and effective approaches associated with the incorporation of PH principles in Saudi Arabia. The results show that although PH design offers significant energy savings potential, particularly in tackling the Kingdom’s increasing energy use and supporting its national shift toward sustainability and energy efficiency, its adoption continues to be constrained by economic, regulatory, technical, climatic, and skill constraints. The greatest barriers were identified as insufficient training programs, a lack of awareness among the stakeholders, and a lack of successful case studies in the region. By using IPA, this study lays a solid data-driven basis for prioritizing actionable strategies such as upgrading the building codes, providing financial incentives, conducting awareness campaigns, and developing technical training programs. In addition, the study highlights the need for exercise-specific adjustments, particularly for hot climates such as Saudi Arabia, due to overheating concerns and the limited data on PH performance in specialized spaces, both of which can impact design integration.

Apart from empirical contributions, this study generates important practical, theoretical, and managerial implications. Its practical implications go beyond guiding policy reforms and construction practices, as this research also contributes to the theoretical discourse on the adoption of sustainable design in hot deserts. This study provides stakeholders in the industry with a blueprint for closing the current implementation gap by reconciling economic viability, regulatory enablement, and technical readiness.

In practical terms, the study recommends updating building codes to include Passive House standards and providing financial incentives to reduce the high initial costs. Developing small demonstration projects that show the feasibility of PH in Saudi conditions, along with encouraging local production of PH materials, can build trust in the market and lower dependency on imports. Adding PH concepts to university courses and expanding professional training will help fill the skills gap. Public awareness campaigns are also important to correct misunderstandings, show long-term savings, and connect PH ideas with traditional passive cooling practices in Saudi Arabia.

However, this study has some limitations, such as depending solely on survey data without verifying the suggested tactics in actual projects. To test PH performance in Saudi Arabia’s hot environment, future research should involve field studies and small demonstration projects. It should also broaden its scope to encompass other building types and geographical areas to bolster its conclusions and suggestions. Furthermore, a key limitation of this study is that it did not investigate the underlying socio-cultural or contextual factors contributing to the identified barriers. Future research should extend beyond identifying barriers and solutions to examine the factors that contribute to the emergence of these barriers and provide a more nuanced understanding of the root causes.

To summarize, even though the obstacles to PH adoption in Saudi Arabia are considerable, they are not beyond reach. With careful adoption, thoughtful investment, and collaboration, the PH standard has the potential to have a transformative impact in creating a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible built environment in the Kingdom. Moreover, the novelty of this study lies in systematically integrating evidence from the literature with practitioners’ insights and applying IPA to prioritize barriers and solutions tailored to Saudi Arabia’s unique climatic and regulatory context.