Navigating the Building Energy Efficiency Research Landscape: Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review (2003–2023): Part I Publication trends, collaborative networks, research themes and emerging issues

Abstract

Research on building energy efficiency has increased significantly over the past twenty years, creating a complex and fragmented landscape that complicates a thorough comprehension of the field’s development and present condition. This study utilises a mixed-method approach that integrates bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review to investigate the building energy efficiency research environment from 2003 to 2023. We examined 1458 papers from the Scopus® database, concentrating on publication trends, collaborative networks, research themes and emerging issues. Research on building energy efficiency has expanded significantly, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate of 15.3% in publications. Artificial intelligence, the internet of things and improved materials are crucial catalysts of contemporary advancements. Collaborations among academics, industry and policymakers have increased, promoting more applied research. This two-part paper presents the inaugural complete, longitudinal examination of the building energy efficiency research environment, elucidating its evolution, present condition and prospective trajectories.