Validating the performance of four sustainable plus energy neighbourhoods across Europe

Source abstract

Urban neighbourhoods play a pivotal role in advancing climate neutral development. This study presents key findings from the operational phase of four sustainable plus energy neighbourhood demonstration projects (SPEN) located in Salzburg (Austria), in Uden (Netherlands), in Fredrikstad (Norway), and Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Spain). By ensuring that renewable energy generation exceeds consumption, these projects align with the EU’s climate and energy goals.Each neighbourhood incorporates high-efficiency building systems, renewable energy technologies, and advanced control strategies tailored to their respective climates and contextual conditions. These neighbourhoods comprise both newly constructed and energy-renovated buildings, featuring high-performance envelope constructions and energy-efficient systems.Their operational performance was assessed using monitoring data, occupant surveys, and a multi-dimensional SPEN evaluation framework, which covers four key domains: energy balance, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), economic viability, and social impact. Extensive monitoring systems were deployed in each case study to collect and analyse detailed thermal, electrical and indoor environmental quality data.Two of the projects achieved negative non-renewable energy balances and operational greenhouse gas emissions during the monitoring period, validating the effectiveness of SPENs. IEQ assessments revealed generally favourable indoor conditions, albeit with climate-dependent variations. Economic evaluations highlighted notable differences in investment levels and financial returns, with the Salzburg project demonstrating the highest net present value.This research underscores both the potential and challenges associated with scaling SPENs across diverse climatic contexts, providing valuable insights into best practices for fostering sustainable urban energy solutions.