The spatial dimension of energy consumption in cities

Abstract

Most global energy consumption is spatially bounded in cities, leading to an urgent need to reduce urban energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. This study delves into the spatial dimension of energy consumption, focusing on urban areas' physical and functional parameters. The goal is to define a model to support decision-making for formulating public policies that contribute to promoting strategies for energy efficiency. The theoretical rationale is to consider energy consumption as a space-based process that needs to be legible for policymakers and planners. The spatialization of energy consumption relating to urban morphologies, densities and uses is pivotal to understanding the territory as a multidimensional system in transition. The methodology addresses a Geographic Information System-based approach that delimits morphological patterns to classify urban areas according to energy consumption zoning. The “morpho-energetic analysis” presented is an approach that could provide policy guidance to decision-makers and planners. Using a municipality in Portugal as case study, results indicate that urban morphology permits identifying where and how energy efficiency can be improved, providing a strategic framework to support the definition of energy policies, which leads to the construction of regulations and urban planning measures for dealing with the sustainable energy transition in cities.