Towards Energetic Circularity

Abstract

Problem definition and objective. Since the industrialization in the 18th century, urbanized and industrial countries base their whole economies on the consumption and destruction of fossil fuel and raw materials. In the past decades, after observing gradual global climate change, most governments
acknowledge the environmental impact of their system and want a change. One way to reduce the pressure on the earth is by shifting to the circular economy. In terms of energy this means that society should be completely disconnected from fossil based energy and switch torenewable energy. The objective of this research was to look at the potentials for a local energy network in an existing
city context and to design a local energy system. A Lidl supermarket forms the centre of the system. In addition to this, a new element is introduced to the
built environment : the urban rooftop greenhouse. Study design. Broad literature survey on circularity, later converging to energy related literature studies. This is followed an energy analysis of a modern Lidl supermarket and energy balances are calculated for a greenhouse and a supermarket. The energy system is based on these energy balances.
Setting. This research focuses on one residential city block in Amsterdam Oud-West, the Netherlands. The block is enclosed by the Eerste Helmerstraat, Alberdingk Thijmstraat, Tweede Helmerstraat and the Nassaukade (52°21’51.7”N - 4°52’38.1”E). The Lidl located in this city block forms the case study of the research and will be refurbished/modernised in the near future. Two potential residential buildings are identified in this city block and are included in the energy system.
Supermarket analysis. A modern and sustainable Lidl supermarket in Stein is analysed to determine the energy performance of the refurbished Lidl in Amsterdam.
Energy quantification. Energy balances of the Lidl supermarket and the rooftop greenhouse are calculated. The energy system is based on the values retrieved from these energy balances. The heat demand of the local dwelling is determined from the literature survey.
Designing the energy model. The greenhouse, the supermarket and adjacent dwelling form an energetic triangle. First, the possibilities of energetic collaboration between individual components are explored. Secondly,
all components are connected with each other through an underground energy storage. The size and indoor climate of the greenhouse are determined based on the required balance of this energy storage.
Urban design. Energy values and schemes are translated into a rough urban design proposal. Also social cohesion is taken into account here.
Results. Energetic interventions are translated into emission cutbacks of CO2. The present situation, based on conventional climate systems, is compared with the all-electric situation from the designed energy model. The energy system designed in this research results in a cumulative CO2 emission reduction of 60%.
Design tool. All possible parameters that influence the energetic performance of the system are collected in one Excel design tool. This tool allows for fast alterations to the design to achieve a balanced energy storage and changes are immediately translated to CO2 emission cutbacks.