Urban building energy modelling and urban design for sustainable neighbourhood development-A China perspective

Abstract

Urban design at the neighbourhood scale has profound effects on urban microclimate, and thus on urban buildings energy consumption (in particular heating, cooling and lighting), extent of applicability of passive heating/cooling strategies, indoor/outdoor thermal comfort and street vehicle emissions dispersal (air quality). Previous studies, especially recent explorations in the emerging field of urban building energy modelling (UBEM), suggest clear neighbourhood-scale energy impact from building type, density, layout/orientation and facade/fenestration treatment. The purpose of research is to inform design, but how the research findings in urban building energy inform urban design practice is not straight-forward, in that real-world urban development involves all stakeholders and needs to take environmental, social and economical factors into account, in addition to energy and urban climate. If to support more healthy, comfortable and energy-efficient urban district/neighbourhood is one goal of green neighbourhood development (ND) rating tools, we should investigate possibilities to further and more efficiently integrate findings of UBEM into guidelines and credits system that inform climate-responsive urban design. This paper, based on a review on recent advancement in UBEM, investigates a more comprehensive and systematic prescriptive approach in ND to optimizing urban building energy performance by moderating urban form, fabric and land cover. Although UBEM as a scientific tool is diagnostic in evaluating urban design scenarios on a case basis, prescriptive design guidelines based on good science are suitable and useful for architects in integrating urban building energy issues in practice.