Highlights

A large portion of the potential for energy efficiency in buildings and the potential to utilize solar energy remains unused. The combination of making buildings more energy efficient –through refurbishment interventions and new developments – and increasing the use of renewable energy sources is key for moving towards a low carbon energy transition. The increased use of solar energy is one of the important development paths. The urban fabric needs to utilize passive solar gains and daylight to reduce the energy use in buildings, as well as to improve the inhabitants’ comfort in indoor and outdoor areas. In addition, active solar energy systems integrated in the urban context contribute to the production of renewable energy as heat and electricity. All these strategies help cities and citizens to reach sustainable development targets.

The main objective of SHC Task 63 is to support key players to achieve solar neighborhoods that facilitate long-term solar access for energy production and for daylighting buildings and outdoor environments – resulting in sustainable and healthy environments. Key players include developers, property owners/associations, architects, urban planners, municipalities, and institutions. This publication highlights the 2022 results of two work streams.

A large portion of the potential for energy efficiency in buildings and the potential to utilize solar energy still remains unused. The combination of making buildings more energy efficient – through refurbishment interventions and new developments – and increasing the use of renewable energy sources is key for moving towards a low carbon energy transition. The increased use of solar energy is one of the important development paths. The urban fabric needs to utilize passive solar gains and daylight to reduce the energy use in buildings, as well as to improve the inhabitants’ comfort in indoor and outdoor areas. In addition, active solar energy systems integrated in the urban context contribute to the production of renewable energy as heat and electricity. All these strategies help cities and citizens to reach sustainable development targets.

A large portion of the potential for energy efficiency in existing buildings and the potential to utilize solar energy still remains unused. A combination of making buildings more energyefficient – through refurbishment  interventions and new developments – and increasing the use of renewable energy sources is a key issue to reduce fossil energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, towards a low carbon energy transition. The increased use of solar energy is one of the important development paths, where the urban fabric needs to utilize passive solar gains and daylight to reduce the energy use in buildings, as well as to improve the inhabitants’ comfort in indoor and outdoor areas. In addition, active solar energy systems integrated in the urban context contribute to the production of renewable energy as heat and electricity. All these strategies help cities and citizens in reaching sustainable developments.