Designing carbon neutral, net-zero, nearly-zero and positive energy districts or neighbourhoods: current approaches and solutions
João M. P. Cardoso, Vítor Leal, Isabel Azevedo, Mafalda Silva
Abstract
This work assesses the approaches currently adopted in the design of net-zero, nearly-zero, positive energy, or carbon neutral districts and neighbourhoods. It characterizes the concepts, design practices and technical solutions adopted in reference case studies from Europe, Asia and North America, trying to assess how economic and resource efficiency is addressed in complement to the efficacy in achieving the zero or positive energy balance. The case studies were identified through thorough literature review and analysed in terms of design methodologies, consideration of design features alternatives, criteria and tools used in selecting the solutions, solutions adopted, and energy demand and supply levels achieved. To accelerate and maximize the decarbonization progress, it will be necessary to ensure that the adopted solutions are efficient from the economic and resource-usage points of view. The results of this work show that currently efficacy and efficiency are not yet considered at the same level and identify key areas where progress is needed.