Building
Adoption of urban renewable sources (O-wind-turbines or photovoltaics)Objectives
- use of smaller units of renewable energy compared to conventional energy production facilities
- use small scale renewable sources to reduce the dependence on the shared energy mix and the demand for energy produced by burning fossil fuels
Green Value indicator
The use of urban renewable technologies may bring a reduction of air pollution, but also improved living spaces. In the context of urban spaces, the cities account for 65% of global energy use and 70% of man-made carbon emissions. Green Value indicators: CO2 savings; Eco footprint; energy intensity;Explanation
In the context of climate change and environment pollution issues, but also in relation to the geopolitical risks, energy price volatility and local and regional economic development, the renewable energy has become an essential part of the solution for these challenges. In the past 20 years, urban areas have grown significantly and over 3.5 billion people, or half of the global population, is now urban. Moreover, cities have the opportunity and the means to provide sustainable services and quality of life to their citizens. With this in mind, the use of smaller units of renewable energy compared to conventional energy production facilities, can be supported by local companies and individuals.Furthermore, the use of small scale renewable sources may reduce the dependence on the shared energy mix and the demand for energy produced by burning fossil fuels, which means less harmful greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, savings on fuel bills and may help to reduce one’s one carbon footprint.
In order to adopt a small renewable energy source, it is important to identify and adapt the technologies to local resources (wind, sun, geothermal energy, biomass wood and hydraulic power). The adoption of renewable energy will be different and depending on what natural resources are available in the territory and on the priority given to energy efficiency, to particular energy sources (electricity, gas, heat), uses (buildings, mobility) or players (large energy companies, digital businesses, cooperatives). But also, it is necessary to check the regulations requirements.
Notably, a strategy which combines energy efficiency planning, measuring and monitoring of energy consumption, use of energy-efficient products (such as LED lamps) and a process of optimisation and simplification of the energy will allow a more effective use of the renewable source.
Moreover, new developments should consider building orientation in relation to solar gain and cooling, natural daylighting and ventilation, plus the energy efficiency of the construction materials to make the most of energy use.
PROS/CONS of the action
Pros:- The use of renewable energy technology may reduce the energy poverty offering a clean electricity, heating, cooking and lighting solutions to people and communities who currently depend on traditional energy sources and/or expensive fossil fuels
- Renewable technologies can be useful for remote off-grid properties, unable to connect to mains electricity or gas
- Renewable energy sources will not run out
- Health and environment friendly
- Less need for maintenance, you don’t need to refuel and you do not have to rely on foreign energy sources
- Necessity of more research and technical studies to evaluate individual projects or country programs
- Intermittent energy source
- Expensive storage
- High initial investment and the suitability for renewables will depend on the site and identifying the right technology
- Possible negative effect on local wildlife
- Visual or noise impact on landscape (e.g. wind turbines)
Certified
International Organisation for Standardisation- ISO 50001 - energy management systems;
- ISO/IEC 13273-1:2015 - transverse concepts and their definitions in the subject fields of energy efficiency;
- ISO 14001 for environmental management;
- ISO 14064 on the quantification and reporting of greenhouse gases;
- ISO 14025 on environmental labels and declarations are just some of the many standards that help organisations reduce their environmental impact through smarter energy usage;
- ISO/TC 301 - Energy management and energy savings;
- ISO 52000 - a holistic approach to improving the energy performance of buildings;
- ISO/TC 163 - Thermal performance and energy use in the built environment ;
- ISO/TC 205 - Building environment design
- ISO/TC 180 - Solar energy;
- ISO/TC 238 - Solid biofuels.
Link to useful sources
Renewable Energy in CitiesCities heading towards 100% renewable energy by controlling their consumption
Sustainable Urban Energy Is the Future
Collection of small renewable technologies:
Urban Green Energy
Small Scale Renewable Electricity projects
O2 Arena to install mini wind turbines that can harness even a breeze
O-Wind Turbine
Small-Scale Solar Thermal Combined Cycle
