Abstract
Positive Energy Districts (PED) are areas within cities that generate more renewable energy than they consume, contributing to cities’ energy system transformation toward carbon neutrality. Since PED is a novel concept, the implementation is very challenging. Within the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action, which offers an open space for collaboration among scientists across Europe (and beyond), this paper asks what the needs for supporting the implementation of PEDs are. To answer this, it draws on Delphi process (expert reviews) as the main method alongside the literature review and also uses surveys as supplementary methods to identify the main challenges for developing PEDs. Initial findings reveal seven interacting topics that later were ranked as highest to the lowest as the following: governance, incentive, social, process, market, technology and context. These are interrelated and interdependent, implying that none can be considered in isolation of the others and cannot be left out in order to ensure the successful development of PEDs. The resources that are needed to address these challenges are a common need for systematic understanding of the processes behind them, as well as cross-disciplinary models and protocols to manage the complexity of developing PEDs. The results can be the basis for devising the conceptual framework on the development of new PED guides and tools.
Highlights
The paper what thethe needs for the implementation answerexperts this, this, we triedasks to identify existing challenges throughofthe eyes ofTo different wewho triedare to identify the existing challenges through the eyes of different experts who arethe involved in different projects and initiative related to Positive Energy Districts (PED)
Identifying involved in different projects and initiative related to Identifying the challenges challenges would help us to realize the needs, as well as would help us to realize the needs, as well as the tools and resources that can address those challenges
The paper used the Delphi method, following by the iterative discussion processes and survey, which allowed for real cooperation, generating feedback mechanisms and meeting the needs for flexibility and adaptability in the tools and resources that can address those challenges
Summary
Europe aims to be a global role model in energy transition and reducing its carbon footprint, thereby moving towards sustainable development. 70–75% of global emissions, European cities are urged to control and reduce emissions from their buildings and districts [1] In this regard, the European Union introduced the program “Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) for Sustainable Urban Development” to initiate and Sustainability 2021, 13, 10551. These districts are a key part of creating a comprehensive approach to sustainable urbanization and dealing with technological, spatial, regulatory, financial, legal, social and economic perspectives [3,4]. Due to the novelty and multifaceted nature of this urban concept [5], there are multiple interpretations and definitions that make it challenging to implement, evaluate, compare, or replicate these districts. Brozovsky et al [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
