05. May 2009 - Research and practice search for paths to energy-efficient cities

Abstract

Today, the EnEff:Stadt research initiative presented ideas and model projects based on research as part of the Berlin Energy Conference. Under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, over 150 participants sought concepts and outlooks for the cities of the future.

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Dr. Knut Kübler from the Ministry of Economics and Technology first presented the objectives of the new research initiative. Afterwards, speakers from the energy industry, science, architecture and the housing industry discussed their experience and outlined potential for greater energy efficiency in communities.

The first pilot projects of the research initiative were also introduced: The integrated energy concept for the Karlsruhe-Rintheim city district includes a field experiment, which comparatively evaluates various renovation options and their use of technology with regard to energy efficiency and economy. The presentation by Prof. Dr. Dirk Müller, RWTH Aachen University, showed that this involves exergetic overall optimisation incorporating the energy supply structure – with a social objective. The goal is to minimise total rent including bills.

The objective of the Bad Aibling pilot project is the re-use and urban development of a former military base. Dr. Ernst Böhm, B&O WohnungsWirtschaft, and Dr. Alfred Kerschberger, RK-Stuttgart, emphasised what a great challenge the conversion of derelict land for the housing industry represents – in addition to refurbishing the existing buildings. The energy concept for the new city district is also intended as a model for exemplary future conversion projects – with its low energy building standards and innovative refurbishment, supply and storage technologies.

What impetus and new ideas are to be expected from research and model projects? Dr. Reinhard Jank, Director of Accompanying Research for EnEff:City, views community energy concepts as the key instrument for implementing efficiency objectives with balance and practicality – and thus also economically. Accordingly, community climate protection should focus equally on improved energy use in buildings, the expansion of decentralised energy supply, improvement of transportation efficiency and the motivation of behavioural changes among users.

The subsequent podium discussion centred on the question "how energy-efficient and sustainable is community climate protection?" And dialogue with community decision makers is required to establish what benefits research has for cities and communities.

The Lord Mayor of the City of Tübingen, Boris Palmer, represents a committed vision of Tübingen as a model ecological city. However, its implementation involves practicalities, most of which must be solved using tried and tested technology already available on the market: Electricity savings in indoor lighting and heat pumps, energy management of public properties, municipal utility companies and local supply structures are the key words. In spite of this, research can offer important methodical aids: The goal is to find the right – localised - efficiency strategy, to correct errors as early as possible and to implement adequate technology economically.

The discussion revealed that cities are particularly affected by climate change and energy matters, and must use all options open to them. The goal is to customise and modernise energy systems, buildings and community infrastructure in good time. At the same time, experience and research findings must be transferable to community practice and manageable for the different parties involved.