The role of nearly-zero energy buildings in the transition towards Post-Carbon Cities. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Becchio, C.; Corgnati, S.P.; Delmastro, C.; Fabi, V.; Lombardi, P.
• Is Part Of: Sustainable cities and society. Volume 27(2016)
• Page Start: 324
• Page End: 337
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Post-Carbon Cities -- Existing building retrofit -- nZEB -- Occupant behaviour -- Scenarios analysis -- Energy planning; Sustainable urban development -- Periodicals; Sustainable buildings -- Periodicals; Urban ecology (Sociology) -- Periodicals; 307.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2016.08.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-6707

Abstract

Highlights: Reaching nZEB target for both new and existing buildings represents the PPC basis. Cost-effective retrofit solutions cover a key role for reaching PPC target. Occupant behaviour has a strong impact on nZEB real energy consumptions. Mid/long-term scenarios analyses are the only opportunity for a successful city energy planning. Advanced Input Models are fundamental tools for designing Post-Carbon Cities. Abstract: Nowadays about 50% of global population lives in cities, responsible for about 70% of GHG emissions and by 2030 the urbanization rate will increase to over 75%. The paper analyses the new emerging concept of "Post-Carbon City" (PCC) and its main influencing factors regarding the building sector. It provides inspiration to re-think urban re-development patterns leading the way for new comprehensive approaches. In this new vision, energy and cost-effective retrofit of existing buildings cover a key role both in terms of saving potential and emission reduction towards nearly-zero energy building (nZEB) target. Moreover, in the building operational phase occupant behaviour has a strong impact on the real energy performance and its effect should be minimized. Therefore, these two issues should be mainly taken into account when energy city planning. Several mid/long-term scenarios analyses performed through quantitative energy demand forecasting tools − concerning not only the building sector, but the whole energy system − are the only opportunity to produce indications for an energy-oriented city planning. Finally, it highlights the necessity of new Advanced Input Modelling procedures to improve the effectiveness of measure recommendations derived through scenarios analysis.