The bioclimatic approach in developing smart urban isles for sustainable cities

Abstract

The rapid trends of urbanization have catastrophic consequences on the ecology of our cities. The large amounts of energy consumption and the reckless exploitation of natural resources is leading to increased emissions of ozone depleting gases and carbon dioxide emissions, which are polluting our planet and enhancing the effects of global warming. This paper will present the bioclimatic approach in achieving a smart urban isle as a basic unit for the development of sustainable cities of the EU ERANET project “Smart bioclimatic low-carbon urban areas as innovative energy isles in the sustainable city” (SUI). It will outline the project and demonstrate the approach of achieving bioclimatic urban isles through the Cyprus case study. The main aim of the SUI project is to develop sustainable cities through balancing locally the energy systems. Thus, the project aspires to move forward with the urban energy and CO2 reduction. The study will focus on the bioclimatic approach, which is one of the three cornerstone procedures (Bioclimatic design, Smart Grids and Management Platform) on which the project is based. It will exemplify how the various aspects of the bioclimatic design and the utilization of the beneficial aspects of the surrounding environment are exploited and applied on defined urban isles, as a basic unit of the city.

Smart City and Energy: A Bibliometric Review of the Smart City and Smart Energy Concept from the Perspective of the Bioclimatic Approach

“…Even if, quantitatively, the interlink is not evident, from a qualitative perspective, some specific publications are investigating this potentiality. In particular, Serghides et al [116] focus on the bioclimatic approach in developing sustainable cities, particularly within the EU ERANET project "Smart bioclimatic low-carbon urban areas as innovative energy isles in the sustainable city" (SUI). The main objective of the project is to develop sustainable cities by balancing energy systems at a local level, with a focus on urban energy and CO2 reduction.…”

“…Some authors have recently started to investigate the potentialities of extending the bioclimatic approach of buildings to cities. By incorporating these principles into urban design, cities can strategically address challenges such as the urban heat island effect, elevate air quality, and cultivate inviting outdoor spaces that prioritize the well-being and comfort of residents [116,117].…”

Energy performance of healthcare facilities in 3 climatic zones in Cyprus

“…The continuously increasing energy consumption patterns in the buildings sector and the consequent release of greenhouse gas emissions pose alarming threats to environmental health and sustainability of cities and surrounding areas [1]. The building sector is responsible for 40% of the EU's energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions [2].…”