An Open-Source Decarbonization Analytics Framework: Designing for Low-Carbon Emission Districts and Communities: Preprint

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

This paper introduces an open-source analytics framework designed to assist in creating low or net-zero carbon buildings and urban districts. Integrated within URBANopt, an open-source platform for energy analysis in districts and communities, this framework equips researchers, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders with tools to evaluate the carbon footprint implications of their design choices. The framework enables the analysis of various scenarios, incorporating both historical and future emission factors, and can span across different climate zones, each with distinct grid and emissions characteristics. The results showcase the framework's capability to evaluate the impact of design upgrades and control strategies on carbon emissions in districts and communities. An illustrative analysis using a hypothetical district in Denver, Colorado, shows reduced emissions from energy efficiency upgrades and control strategies, highlighting the sensitivity in their effects on emissions and energy use.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages15
StatePublished - 2024
EventSimBuild - Denver, Colorado
Duration: 21 May 202423 May 2024

Conference

ConferenceSimBuild
CityDenver, Colorado
Period21/05/2423/05/24

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-5500-89309

Keywords

  • buildings energy efficiency
  • carbon emissions
  • decarbonization
  • district energy modeling
  • load flexibility
  • URBANopt

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