Can Urban Retrofitting Achieve a Positive Energy Balance? a Case Study of Four European Positive Energy Districts

Urban retrofitting has emerged as a key strategy in the transition towards sustainable cities, with Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) serving as a model for achieving energy-positive urban environments. This paper explores the potential for urban retrofitting to achieve a positive energy balance through a case study of four existing districts in European Municipalities: Settimo Torinese (Italy), Großschönau (Austria), Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Resita (Romania). The analysis leverages energy balance simulations, considering various retrofitting scenarios, including building insulation, photovoltaic (PV) installations, and the adoption of flexible grid usage. The findings indicate that while achieving a PED is challenging, it is attainable through a combination of aggressive retrofitting measures, renewable energy integration, and smart energy management. The study highlights the importance of context-specific strategies, as climatic and urban characteristics significantly influence the outcomes. It aims to add to the ongoing discourse on sustainable urban development by providing empirical insights into the pathways and challenges of achieving PEDs through urban retrofitting.