Horizontal building interaction as an element of neighborhood energy-oriented refurbishment

Abstract

The building sector has a significant impact on the environment due to its high resource and energy usage. The refurbishment of the building stock is a measure for reducing emissions. In this context, the neighborhood scale is becoming increasingly important as the level at which urban redevelopment takes place. This study contributes a new perspective and data on the scientific debate on the importance of the neighborhood as a level of action in the transformation of the building sector. It combines horizontal building interaction and a practical refurbishment approach, aiming to reduce material use and balance energy demands. Using scenario modeling, the material savings are calculated for the first time by analyzing five refurbishment scenarios of a synthetic neighborhood. The scenario, modeled with horizontal building interaction, is identified as the favorable compromise among all scenarios when considering material demand and energy efficiency. This is achieved through re-thinking energy-oriented refurbishments and optimizing the usage of locally produced renewable energy sources. The results are embedded into the scientific debate, including the works on the balance of embodied and operational energy in the construction sector