Ten questions concerning positive energy districts. (15th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sareen, Siddharth; Albert-Seifried, Vicky; Aelenei, Laura; Reda, Francesco; Etminan, Ghazal; Andreucci, Maria-Beatrice; Kuzmic, Michal; Maas, Nienke; Seco, Oscar; Civiero, Paolo; Gohari, Savis; Hukkalainen, Mari; Neumann, Hans-Martin
• Is Part Of: Building and environment. Volume 216(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05-15
• Subjects: PEDs -- Socio-technical transitions -- Interdisciplinary -- Inequalities -- District-scale -- Engagement; Buildings -- Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Building -- Research -- Periodicals; Constructions -- Technique de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 696
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.109017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) constitute an emerging energy transition paradigm, with an ambitious timeline for rapid upscaling to match the urgency of climate mitigation and adaptation. Increasingly networked and coordinated actors aim to realise 100 PEDs across Europe by 2025. This resonates with the mission orientation turn of the European Green New Deal, to inspire and enable target-driven innovation. Yet it raises questions that have long perplexed scholars and practitioners in energy transitions: how can rapid diffusion be achieved in a sustained and replicable manner in diverse socio-technical contexts? Identifying the key questions to address and implement fit-to-purpose solutions within short-term project timescales is essential in order to mainstream PEDs. Such solutionism must be accompanied by a healthy dose of scepticism, in order to avoid undesirable outcomes such as exacerbated inequalities, societal backlash, and spatial displacement of invisible burdens. But it also requires proactive sharing of experiences, responsive learning and dissemination, and cooperation across sectors and disciplines. In this timely contribution, thirteen researchers from nine European countries flag ten questions concerning PEDs, and offer preliminary responses in line with cutting-edge insights informed by science and practice. This contribution draws on multidisciplinary competence in steering the Positive Energy Districts European Network, and aims to make emerging knowledge widely available, while also inviting constructive critique and engagement within the PED arena which features a broad range of diverse stakeholders. Authors highlight key pathways forward for a rapid, far-reaching translation of the ambitious PEDs agenda into multi-sited, district-scale beacons of sustainable energy transition. Highlights: Reflects upon emergent challenges and opportunities of developing PEDs in Europe. Combines attention to rapid implementation, context-specificity and replicability. Identifies three key themes to enable conditions for upscaling PEDs across contexts. The key themes are: framework conditions, prefiguration and emerging impact of PEDs. Combines expertise of PED-EU-NET core group, spanning PED initiatives across Europe.