Boosting energy efficiency and RES in urban contexts: from the plan to the project

The breakdown by end-use energy shows a high incidence of buildings sector with a share of 35% of the total in 2010, a sharp increase compared to previous years and higher than the transport sector (31%) and industry (23%) [Bertini et al. 2012]. In high populated places, such as cities, there is a close correlation between the choices of spatial planning and the use of renewable energies and energy-saving strategies. Aiming at optimizing the use of energy in our cities is crucial. The European Directive 2010/31/EU on energy efficiency gives recommendations in order to increase services to the energy market; the spread of tools for the calculation of the feasibility of building’s renovation can help to measure, differentiate and optimize the use of energy sources even in urban areas. The implementation of spatial information through GIS tools can be important to manage energy demand changes and maximize the energetic potential of the territory. This works, developed within the Cities on Power project, co-financed by the Central Europe program, aims to integrate the energy efficiency and RES processes in residential buildings, with an holistic approach, giving to the municipalities some instruments to pilot correctly the energy transition.