Conference article

Buildings account for a substantial share of the energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in the UK. Reduction of energy consumption and the use of low carbon technologies in buildings constitute a vital part in achieving the government’s CO₂ reduction goals. Based on six existing urban form examples in the UK; this paper explores the potential for integrating different low carbon technologies for buildings taking into account factors relate to built forms. The study suggests that dwelling density has a significant influence on energy demand; however; it is not the only factor that influences the potential for low carbon energy supply. The combination of dwelling density and site coverage are the crucial built form factors that determine the potential of CO₂ reductions from low carbon technologies. The initial findings suggest that medium to low density housing may in some cases enable a greater saving in CO₂ emissions than higher density development because of the greater amount of space for collection of renewable energy. However; the effects of density on the energy use by other sectors such as transport; water and waste management; also needs to be considered and this integrated approach is part of our ongoing research on the ReVISIONS project.

Urban Form; Integrated Energy Supply; Renewable Energy; Low Carbon Technologies