Evaluation Framework for SPEN

Evaluation Framework for SPEN

Innovation Type: Theoretical framework

What is this innovation about?

The common evaluation framework defines the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the evaluation of SPENs at two levels: building and neighbourhood.
The selection of the main categories and KPIs have been based on a holistic and exhaustive methodology which highlights the multiple dimensions when talking about sustainability in districts.

On the building level, the monitoring is done in selected dwellings of the neighbourhoods and at whole building level.

At the neighbourhood scale, the assessment and monitoring cover the whole neighbourhood, considering the interaction of buildings, the common active systems and flexibility strategies. This framework is designed to be implemented during the integrated energy design process and the operational phase.

Results of this innovation include a joint framework for the evaluation of the performance of positive energy buildings and neighbourhoods, providing guidance for further implementation of the syn.ikia demonstration projects.
It also includes Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Social and economic factors.

What kind of challenges it will solve if deployed widely

The Evaluation Framework for Sustainable Positive Energy Neighbourhood adapts the existing methodologies for the evaluation at neighbourhood level, including a multidimensional analysis. When the positive energy balance assessment moves from a single building to a group of buildings (Building Portfolio) at neighbourhood scale, new considerations are needed in terms of integrating urban and energy planning and evaluating the overall energy performance. The Evaluation Framework for SPEN concept emphasize the need to capture socio-economic aspects and well-being beyond the energy and environmental performance.

Therefore, the neighbourhood scale will foster economic sustainability while addressing multidimensional nature of SPENs. Having an evaluation framework with specific KPIs covering all dimensions helps to plan, design, and monitor SPENs and characterize them.

The following users will find this innovation useful:

• Developers and technical professionals, to plan and design SPENs and evaluate their performance in design phases
• Energy managers and in general owners and users of the built environment to monitor the performance, including social aspects, of SPENs when built and in operation
• Policy Makers, to make use of the proposed framework and indicators to fix

How has syn.ikia project impacted the development of this solution/ process/ tool?

Collaborative work with professionals from different disciplines has allowed to make an active contribution to the debate of the key aspects defining SPENs and how they should be evaluated Economic sustainability, improved indoor environment for well-being of the inhabitants and social inclusiveness, interaction and empowerment have been new aspects addressed. Opportunity to test and quantify the KPIs in several demos in syn.ikia helped to refine proposed methodologies and practical issues regarding quantification.

How can this innovation be used beyond syn.ikia project?

• In further research activities and implementation of built environment evaluation towards SPENs, and in other EU projects such as ARV, WeGenerate.
• Contribution to standardization of KPIs for neighbourhood and sustainable communities’ assessment

Contact person: Jaume Salom, IREC