Abstract The zero emission building (ZEB) research centre in Norway has a series of concept and pilot buildings that investigate design strategies for low embodied carbon in building materials in order to achieve a net ZEB balance; these include two conceptual studies or virtual building models (ZEB office building and ZEB single-family house) and six pilot buildings (Powerhouse Kjørbo, Campus Evenstad, Heimdal high school, Multikomfort house, Living Laboratory and Skarpnes). According to the centre’s definition, a net ZEB balance can be achieved by offsetting the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the production and exportation of on-site renewable energy. This balance becomes ambitious if embodied carbon from building materials is also considered. Experiences collected from the ZEB pilots demonstrate that a combination of carbon reduction design strategies are necessary in order to achieve this net ZEB balance. One low embodied carbon design strategy considers area and material quantity reduction. For example, compared to the raft foundation design in the single-family house concept study, the Living Laboratory uses three narrow strip foundations. This results in a 68% decrease in carbon emissions arising from reduced concrete use. These emissions can be further reduced if low-carbon concrete is implemented, as demonstrated in both Heimdal and Evenstad high schools. The next strategy considers reuse and recycling. In the Multikomfort house, bricks are reclaimed from a nearby derelict barn. This reuse strategy leads to a saving of more than 100 kgCO2e/m2 of wall, when compared to a conventional concrete wall. Similarly, the renovated Powerhouse Kjørbo offices reuse the external glass facade as internal glass partitions; this not only prolongs the service life of building materials but also avoids emissions associated with end-of-life treatment. Another important strategy involves selecting low-carbon building materials. The office concept study demonstrates that changing the original concrete and steel structure to a timber structure of similar technical performance leads to a 30% reduction in weight and 50% reduction in embodied carbon. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of different concrete hollow core slabs and cross-laminated timber floors in Heimdal high school shows a high level of variation in emissions between manufacturers and the importance of a holistic evaluation when selecting low-carbon building materials. Another design strategy involves sourcing local materials. In Evenstad high school, excavated material is sourced from a local quarry, steel connections are formed by a local workshop and other local manufacturers are selected to reduce transport emissions. Another effective measure is demonstrated by adopting materials with high durability and a long service life. Calculations from Heimdal compare timber window frames with and without a protective aluminium cladding. The aluminium cladding, despite its elevated embodied emissions, gives the frame a longer service life. This results in fewer replacements during the service life of the school. Over a 60-year calculation period, more than 20 kgCO2e/window are saved when the aluminium cladding is implemented. In conclusion, the most efficient low embodied carbon design strategies, identified through the pilot projects, are area and material reduction and application of reused and recycled materials, using materials with low embodied carbon, sourcing local materials and adopting materials with high durability and a long service life. Embodied carbon calculations from eight of the ZEB pilot buildings (including two concept studies) provide an insight into the measured effect of low embodied carbon design strategies.