Designing energy-positive neighborhoods: A modular framework for integrated planning and policy guidance

This study proposes a modular and scalable framework for evaluating energy performance at the neighborhood scale, supporting the design of net-zero and energy-positive urban districts. Using archetype-based models of 11 representative Canadian neighborhood typologies, varying in density, land use, and form, the framework analyzes energy outcomes under multiple configurations, including microgrid coordination, renewable-powered district heating (geothermal and PV/T), landscape-integrated photovoltaics (LPV), and electric vehicle (EV) integration with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality. Results show that integrating LPV over 20 % of public open space increases local generation reducing energy deficits by 20–30 % in high-density neighborhoods. Scenarios using PV/T based district heating (Scenario 4) achieved up to 90 % and 80 % reductions in net energy deficits in dense mixed-use neighborhoods (MU1 and MU2, respectively), compared to the baseline. V2G integration further reduced EV-related energy deficits by up to 25 % relative to uncontrolled charging scenarios. Additionally, strategic aggregation of complementary neighborhoods enabled the formation of energy-positive clusters, even when individual neighborhood units remained energy deficit. Although the analysis relies on simplified, correlation-based models and average annual inputs, the framework provides actionable insights during early planning phases, enabling rapid assessment of cross-sectoral design strategies for resilient, low-carbon urban development.