Abstract
Buildings account for a significant share of global energy consumption and carbon emissions. Rapid urbanization in Lagos intensifies pressure on energy infrastructure, increases diesel generator dependence, and amplifies climate vulnerability. Urban renewal initiatives in the city often prioritize physical redevelopment and land value enhancement, while energy performance and long term environmental resilience receive limited integration. This study examines net zero architecture as a catalyst for urban renewal in Lagos, with emphasis on green cultural infrastructure as a strategic anchor. The research adopts a mixed method approach combining literature synthesis, contextual analysis of Lagos energy and environmental conditions, and scenario modeling of a prototype net zero cultural facility within a renewal district. The conceptual framework links building scale energy performance to district scale economic activation and city scale emission reduction. Passive first design strategies, including optimized orientation, shading, and natural ventilation, are evaluated alongside photovoltaic integration and battery storage systems suited to a tropical coastal climate. Findings indicate that passive measures reduce baseline cooling demand by 35 to 50 percent under Lagos conditions. On site solar generation offsets a substantial portion of annual electricity demand, reducing reliance on diesel generators and stabilizing operational costs. At district scale, energy resilient cultural anchor institutions strengthen pedestrian activity, support local enterprise, and improve public space utilization. At city scale, distributed net zero public buildings contribute to emission reduction and grid load management. The study proposes an implementation framework for Lagos grounded in performance based regulation, climate responsive design standards, blended financing mechanisms, and multi scale monitoring. Net zero cultural infrastructure emerges as a practical instrument for aligning environmental resilience, economic regeneration, and social inclusion within urban renewal strategy.