From research and best practice to a built demonstration, constructsteel’s Zero Energy Building initiative explores how steel-based construction can support energy-efficient, adaptable buildings.

In 2021, constructsteel established the Zero Energy Building (ZEB) working group to explore how steel manufacturers, construction professionals and building solution providers could develop an affordable, steel-enabled residential concept capable of being adapted to different markets.

Completed in 2025 in partnership with Tata Steel, the Bhubaneswar ZEB translates the work of constructsteel’s Zero Energy Building working group into a built demonstration.

The 170 m² facility was completed in just 3.5 months using Light-Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) construction. Designed to achieve annual net-zero energy use, it combines a high-performance insulated building envelope with efficient lighting and cooling, natural ventilation, rooftop solar panels and Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Additional features, including rainwater harvesting, low-flow fixtures and modular components, further support resource efficiency, ease of maintenance and future adaptation.

In 2026, the Bhubaneswar Zero Energy Building received the Structural Design Excellence Award at STESSA 2026. The award recognises the project’s structural design and its application of steel in delivering a net-zero energy building, following a decision by an independent jury.