Pathways to urban net zero energy buildings in Canada: A comprehensive GIS-based framework using open data

Abstract

While policies outline ambitious Urban Net Zero Energy Buildings (UNEZB) strategies, the lack of available Canadian-specific archetypes and data complexity has limited spatial and quantitative validation of these strategies. In this study, a simplified 3D building model (LoD 100) was developed using footprint and Digital Surface Model (DSM) data. An archetype database, based on ASHRAE 90.1 and NECB 2011, was created to classify urban-level energy use intensity across various building types and HVAC systems. This research explores three pathways to net-zero energy: electrification transitions, energy efficiency retrofits, and renewable energy integration. A case study was conducted by developing the urban-scale 3D building models for the City of Richmond at BC Canada, and the spatial energy analysis revealed significant disparities in energy consumption across urban and suburban areas. Key findings from the case study indicate that electrification and solar energy adoption in commercial districts, along with targeted retrofitting in residential zones, can significantly reduce energy use. This study provides a physics-based framework and robust methodology for Canadian cities to achieve net-zero energy goals, which offers valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and energy engineers to support decision-making and urban sustainability.