Assessing Energy Improvement Potential from Efficiency and Renewable Interventions at Neighborhood Level

Tools for the estimation of energy performance improvement - achievable through energy efficiency and renewable energy interventions, with decision-making capabilities for policy implementation at the neighborhood level - are still lacking. In this paper, we present a proof-of-concept tool that integrates a decision support mechanism for enabling opinions and criteria of various decision makers to be taken into account during the implementation of energy efficiency interventions at the neighborhood level. The tool is based on integrating information from aerial and terrestrial imagery, digital maps and national databases and statistics providing housing data on a GIS platform. The testing of the tool with the involvement of local authorities and social housing providers demonstrated that the tool can support policy makers in making informed decisions with regard to the implementation of energy policies and initiatives and contribute to meeting CO2 emission reduction targets.