Exploring the sustainable energy Potential of Positive Energy Districts (PED) via Geographic Information System (GIS)

<ns3:p>Background The Positive Energy District (PED) concept aims to transform urban areas into carbon-neutral and zero-energy communities by reducing energy consumption and increasing renewable energy production. However, challenges persist in facilitating effective decision-making. GIS-based frameworks offer mature solutions to help overcome these issues. Methods This study describes a GIS-based framework to integrate databases, conduct spatial analyses, and support decision-making through spatiotemporal analyses of solar energy potential to support decision-making in PEDs. Furthermore, the developed concepts are deployed in the case study area – the Caferağa neighborhood of Kadıköy, Türkiye. Results According to the results of spatial analyses including sunlight exposure and shading effects, there is significant potential for solar energy within the district, especially in spring and summer seasons. The total solar energy was 629 million kWh, with an average solar energy of 1,410 kWh/m². Three-dimensional (3D) spatial analyses indicate that the solar energy potential is high on both roofs and various facades of the building. Conclusion The achieved results are promising, where co-creation, co-design- and co-implementation could be performed collaboratively via designed platform that seamlessly integrate data, functions, necessary tools and expertise.</ns3:p>