Powering the energy transition at the district level_Cities4PEDs_AWB_final

Can all districts become a
‘Positive Energy District’?
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Yes. We are convinced this should be the aim. We propose a definition of
Positive Energy Districts that can mobilize all districts in Europe, new and
existing, to become drivers of the energy transition. While PEDs are often
described more narrowly, as districts that produce more renewable energy than
they consume, in this toolkit, we use the term to refer to all (re)development
projects that incorporate the following five dimensions:
1. A high ambition for energy efficiency and the overall
energy balance
A PED is as ambitious in lowering the energy demand and
energy losses as it is in maximizing the system efficiency and
local energy production. The target is to reach the maximum
energy balance possible in the specific district.
2. A focus and targets on more liveable, qualitative
and sustainable districts
A PED also targets quality of life, socio-economic aspects and
sustainability. The upgrading of homes and neighbourhoods,
employment opportunities and social cohesion are considered
essential dimensions of PEDs. Inclusivity also means equal
opportunities for all different groups and minorities in the
local (re)development process.
3. The delineation of a district as a socio-spatial entity that
transcends the project level
A neighbourhood is a part of the urban fabric that is larger
than a single project or large plot of land. It is both a physical
and a social entity, defined by communities with different
forms of belonging to this urban fabric. Since energy targets
can only be achieved by changing the demand and supply of
renewable energy, a PED always touches on the spatial and
social dimensions of the district.
4. An incremental process of (re)development
The (re)development of a district is more than the implementation
of a master plan drawn at the start of a project. A PED is
a step-by-step process that includes building up partnerships,
setting up actions that empower local stakeholders, initiating
first integrated pilot projects, monitoring consistently and
mainstreaming the implementation. To ensure that the actions
and projects add up to the shared targets, flexibility and regular
adaptation of the process on the basis of progressive insights
are needed.
5. An approach to build, mobilize and connect capacities
The need for the right (and sufficient) skills and competences
is an often forgotten but crucial dimension for the (re)development
of PEDs. From citizens to energy providers, developers,
contractors, neighbourhood organizations and different policy
departments: capacities need to be strengthened and linked.
These five dimensions pay equal attention to the ambitious outcome that
should be achieved as they do to the road to get there. The energy performance,
the broader benefits, the activation of district characteristics, a step-by-step
process and the needed capacity-building: they are all part of the PED practice.
All district projects that address these five dimensions are considered Positive
Energy Districts in the making.
INTRODUCTION
The district as driver of the energy transition