Urban-Scale Building Energy Modeling: Why Working at Scale Matters

Geographic Information Science (GIS)-based modeling has provided the opportunity to incorporate large data sets into mapping platforms with analytical capabilities. CityGML provides a widely accepted platform for integrating tools and data sets through a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). Examples are discussed for geographically specified utility networks (local distribution); aggregate impacts of technologies by building type; interactive effects between clustered sets of buildings, streetscapes, meteorological boundary conditions and microclimates; dynamic load sharing in community-level energy systems (eg – district heating and/or cogeneration) and electrical provisioning for low-carbon targets. Visualizations make analytical outcomes readily accessible to public stakeholders and policy decision-makers.