Analysis of the Influence of Variables Linked to the Building and Its Urban Context on the Passive Energy Performance of Residential Stocks

Numerous aspects influence the passive energy performance of residential stocks. Besides building characteristics, urban planning is considered a key factor. This study analyses the influence of five covariates on both the building scale [shape factor (S/V), year of construction (Y)] and the urban scale [urban block (UB), street H/W ratio, and orientation (O)] on two response variables that assess the passive energy performance of residential stocks: energy demand for cooling (ED_c) and for heating (ED_h). By modelling the energy performance of a set of buildings in a neighbourhood of Castellón de la Plana (Spain) by conducting dynamic simulation with the EnergyPlus software, values for response variables can be obtained. Prediction models for response variables have been previously developed by considering a bottom-up approach and a multivariate analysis based on the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) methodology. The statistical analysis allowed the order of covariates to be found by level of significance: S/V, Y, H/W, UB and O. Despite the greater significance of building aspects, urban aspects also acquire notable relevance. Based on the results obtained herein, a set of design strategies is established and a new urban layout is proposed. The energy assessment of the new urban layout concludes that 57.12% of savings in energy demand can be made compared to the actual energy demand in the existing neighbourhood.