Mark Vender
On November 25, the IEA Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) Programme is presenting a free webinar on planning solar neighbourhoods.
Representatives of IEA SHC Task 63 on Solar Neighbourhood Planning will discuss solar planning strategies for energy production, daylighting, and thermal comfort. The webinar will highlight the role of tools as a support for the planning and design of neighbourhoods, and offer insights into the ongoing research projects of IEA SHC Task 63.
According to the task group, solar neighbourhoods are increasingly important in achieving net zero energy districts and low-carbon cities. The planning of neighbourhoods that address the generation of renewable energy onsite enables solar thermal technologies and photovoltaics to be implemented or prepared for, as well as creating daylight and sunlight access to achieve healthier urban environments. Solar neighbourhoods also create environments that are energy self-sufficient and resilient to energy price fluctuations, with less reliance on energy imports. This can help future-proof towns and cities.
A “neighbourhood” is defined as a group of buildings or a district/precinct. It is a specific geographic area, often including different types of buildings and functions, open space and infrastructure. It can be part of a larger city or a smaller village. It can also be part of an urban area, a rural development, or represent an isolated community. Further, it can be connected to a district heating/cooling network or outside one, giving very different boundary condition challenges.
The webinar is presented through the SHC Solar Academy – an effort by the IEA SHC Programme to share its work and support R&D and implementation of solar heating and cooling projects worldwide. It will be an opportunity for planners in Australia to understand international best practice about designing and enabling solar neighbourhoods.
The webinar will be held at 5pm AEDT on Thursday, November 25. For more information and to register, click here.
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