A decision-making framework for early-stage design of positive energy blocks

Sibilla, Maurizio; Karaki, Ghada

Abstract

Positive Energy Block (PEBlock) is an emerging energy paradigm described as a mesoscale model distinct from building and district scale models. The paper's novel methodology introduces a first-of-its-kind three-level early-stage design framework for large-scale energy planning and retrofitting. It addresses how to identify PEBlock potentiality, how to calibrate the feasibility classes based on current block performance, and finally, what retrofit design fulfils the calibrated target energy consumption and production. A newly developed PEBlock reference-matrix tool guides the selection of optimal retrofit actions and PV area distribution. The early-stage design framework is applied to a European case study to illustrate its applicability and to help define preliminary key performance indicators (KPIs) that regulate the block's environmental, morphological and construction features. The groundbreaking decision-making framework is a practical solution towards innovative energy-sensitive urban planning strategies, aiming to accelerate building renovation rates while implementing an alternative decentralised-renewable energy infrastructure.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 1, 2025
• Online Publication Date: May 12, 2025
• Deposit Date: May 12, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 13, 2025
• Journal: Architectural Science Review
• Print ISSN: 0003-8628
• Electronic ISSN: 1758-9622
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 1-16
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00038628.2025.2502471
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14416312
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=tasr20; Received: 2025-03-10; Accepted: 2025-05-01; Published: 2025-05-12