Abstract Significant actions on the building stock are required to reduce energy consumption and emissions from buildings and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Consistently, the renovation approach of existing buildings could aim to obtain nearly Zero Energy Buildings or Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB). In particular, the solutions to obtain zero-energy buildings vary according to the reference climatic conditions and the technical-constructive characteristics of the buildings undergoing renovation. As part of a research project involving the Technological University of Panama (UTP) and the University of Calabria (UNICAL), this work presents a preliminary investigation aimed at identifying the most appropriate technological solutions to convert existing buildings in Panama into zero-energy buildings. In particular, the study seeks to characterize the energy demand of buildings in the research area, consisting of Panama City, and to identify a set of possible energy efficiency measures applicable in hot and humid climates through dynamic simulations. The preliminary results from the sensitivity and optimization analyses highlight the capacity of local regulations and buildings’ capacity towards achieving zero-energy buildings by enhancing the efficiency of appliances, lighting, and air conditioner system, but also by implementing passive strategies such as the bioclimatic strategies.