Critical Success Factors for Residential Building Energy Retrofitting: The Case of Saudi Arabian Residential Buildings Industry

Abstract

Improving the energy efficiency of residential buildings has become a strategic priority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where the housing sector accounts for a significant share of national energy consumption. Retrofitting existing residential buildings offers a practical, cost-effective pathway to meeting energy conservation targets and advancing the sustainability objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. However, project success depends on the effective identification and management of critical success factors (CSFs) that influence planning and implementation. This study identifies, analyzes, and ranks the key CSFs affecting residential energy retrofits in the Saudi context by integrating academic and industry perspectives. A systematic literature review identified potential CSFs, followed by Social Network Analysis (SNA) to examine their interrelationships and relative importance within scholarly discourse. Subsequently, a structured questionnaire was administered to Saudi industry practitioners to empirically assess the significance of these factors. The findings reveal both alignment and divergence between theoretical and practical perspectives. Design integration, technical expertise, and regulatory compliance emerged as the most influential CSFs, while practitioners placed less emphasis on financial incentives and cultural acceptance. The study provides evidence-based insights to support policymakers and construction professionals in improving residential retrofit practices in Saudi Arabia.