Net zero emissions and positive energy districts: a potential solution to achieve the European climate targets

Net-zero emissions and positive energy districts are innovative urban planning solutions for reaching the decarbonization targets defined by the European Commission. Districts are gaining wide attention representing communities where different elements and energy systems are interconnected, leading to potential opportunities for achieving climate neutrality that may not be achievable at the level of individual buildings. In addition, the evaluation of the performances has shifted from a nearly zero-energy approach to more demanding and rigorous concepts of positive energy and zero climate emissions. To this end, the authors show and describe a case study related to a new district that will be built in Bologna (41 400 m2 of heated/cooled floor surface area). The theoretical energy demand plus the 5th generation district heating and cooling network supplying the buildings and the electricity produced by the on-site photovoltaic plant (and the associated climate profiles) are evaluated by a Fortran App specifically developed. The net balance approach (used for reaching carbon neutrality) was calculated using the process-based life cycle assessment method. The authors show the outcomes obtained and potential solutions for decarbonization.