Conference article

A Study of Urban Form and the Integration of Energy Supply Technologies

Vicky Cheng
Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, UK

Sandip Deshmukh
Centre for Environmental Strategy, University of Surrey, UK

Anthony Hargreaves
Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, UK

Koen Steemers
Department of Architecture, University of Cambridge, UK

Matthew Leach
Centre for Environmental Strategy, University of Surrey, UK

Download articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp110573356

Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:46, p. 3356-3363

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Published: 2011-11-03

ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

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.

Keywords

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

References

[1] H.M. Government; Climate Change Act 2008; 2008.

[2] Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG); The code for sustainable homes: setting the standard in sustainability for new homes; 2008.

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[4] European Union Renewables Directive; Official Journal of the European Union L140/16: on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources; 2009.

[5] H.M. Government; UK Renewable Energy Strategy; 2009.

[6] Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC); Heat and energy saving strategy consultation: executive summary; 2009.

[7] Cheng; V. and K. Steemers; Modelling domestic energy consumption at district scale: A tool to support national and local energy policies; Environmental Modelling and Software (submitted for review) 2010.

[8] Enviros Consulting Limited; Utilising renewable energy resources within south Cambridgeshire; 2008.

[9] Market Transformation Programme (MTP); BNXS01: Carbon dioxide emission factors for UK energy use: version 4.2; 2010.

[10] Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC); Carbon valuation in UK policy appraisal: a revised approach (June 2010 update); 2010.

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