Author: ISOCARP Institute

Renovation and retrofit measures can be seen as the addition or replacement of existing features and technologies of a building with the goal of increasing its energy efficiency.

Renewable energy systems are technologies that produce energy through the use of renewable sources which are constantly replenished, such as wind, sunlight, rain, waves, and geothermal heat, thus addressing the concern of the depletion of fossil fuel reserves.

A Renewable Energy Community (arising out of the recast Renewables Directive (EU) 2018/2001) is a legal entity involved in renewable energy production, which provides environmental, economic or social community benefits for its shareholders or members or for the local areas where it operates, rather than financial profits.

In the +CityxChange project, a Regulatory Sandbox is a process towards the local, national or European regulatory authorities in order to promote piloting new approaches within the demonstration areas. This concerns energy markets, system operations, mobility and building energy performance.

A Prosumer Group is a group of Prosumers.

A Prosumer is an energy consumer who also locally generates renewable energy which is sold to the market when they generate more than they need.

Based on the definition of a Positive Energy Block (PEB) or District (PED), a Positive Energy City is one where the annual energy production from renewable energy sources is greater than energy consumed within the city.

Positive Energy Champions are individuals who embrace Positive Energy Concepts, take Positive Energy Actions and foster Positive Energy Communities by sharing their knowledge and experience with their fellow citizens.

A Positive Energy Block (PEB) is a compact area which over a year produces more energy than it consumes.

It should include at least three mixed use buildings (>15.000 sqm) and needs to include local renewable energy production and measures to reduce its energy demand.

A Positive Energy Balance is possible where the annual energy production within an area is greater than the energy consumed within the same area.