Renewables in residential development: an integrated GIS-based multicriteria approach for decentralized micro-renewable energy production in new settlement development: a case study of the eastern metropolitan area of Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

Claudia Palmas,Andrew Lovett,Emanuela Abis,Christina Von Haaren

doi:10.1186/2192-0567-2-10

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using micro-renewable energy sources. However, planning has not yet developed methodological approaches (1) for spatially optimizing residential development according to the different renewable energy potentials and (2) for integrating objectives of optimized energy efficiency with other environmental requirements and concerns. This study addresses these topics by firstly presenting a new concept for the regional planning. The methodological approach for the evaluation of spatial variations in the available energy potential was based on the combination of existing methods adapted to the local scale and data availability. For assessing the bioenergy potential, a new method was developed. Other environmental criteria for deciding about sustainable locations were identified through a survey of more than 100 expert respondents. This survey involved pairwise comparisons of relevant factors, which were then translated into relative weights using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. Subsequently, these weights were applied to factor maps in a Geographical Information System using a weighted linear combination method. In the test region, the eastern metropolitan area of Cagliari, Sardinia, this analysis resulted in the designation of suitable areas for new settlements and preferred locations for micro-renewable technologies. Based on expert preferences, a number of alternatives for future housing development were identified, which can be integrated in the early stages of land use or development plans. The method proposed can be an effective tool for planners to assess changes and to identify the best solution in terms of sustainable development.

Highlights

IntroductionThere has been an increasing interest in using micro-renewable energy sources
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using micro-renewable energy sources
A sustainable future for cities significantly depends upon the integration of energy efficiency in regional and urban planning

Summary

Introduction

There has been an increasing interest in using micro-renewable energy sources. About 40% of the final energy demand is needed to heat and power homes This represents a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, making energy savings in the field of residential development a key element of the European climate change strategy [1]. In this context, Europe is faced with the challenge of implementing growing amounts of intermittent power sources such as micro-solar and wind sources in the electricity grid. Two European projects exemplify the state of the art in the energy-efficient residential development: the BedZED development in the south of London and the Vauban development in Freiburg, Germany These two eco-districts are globally recognized to be models for sustainable environmentally oriented planning using solar energy (photovoltaics and solar thermal collectors). In the BedZED project, the use of solar energy is maximized through the integration of solar cells into the vertical south-facing facades and through a large installation on the southfacing roofs [3]

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Discussion

Conclusion