A Simplified Methodological Approach Towards the Net Zero Energy District

Zero energy conceptual framework is attracting increasing interest in European target policies aiming at more sustainable and liveable urban and built environments. Despite its compelling context in scientific literature and practical applications, the commonly used approach is principally adopted on the aspect of an individual building. Cases with zero energy concept are few in literature. The aim of this paper is the development of a methodological approach to extend the 'zero energy building' to the 'zero energy district' by taking into account two challenges: (1) the impact of urban structure (typo-morphology) on the actual energy needs and (2) the location. It proposes a simplified methodology within three strategic axes through the systemic approach of the district and thereby opens and addresses future research perspective to be widely investigated to develop 'smart' districts with operational and long-term context by introducing the notion of 'smart ground'.