klimaschutz.de
Logo Klimabuendnis

Language:

Urban planning


Local authorities are usually responsible for land-use planning decisions. They may have powers over the local energy distribution network through the power of concession.
The basic planning level, urban development planning, is a key determinant of demand for mobility: whether it is a compact city; where the various functions - residential and commercial, services, education and recreation - are located and how they interconnect; if there is public transport available for newly developed areas, etc. Cities can make a substantial long-term contribution to car traffic prevention if they consider these aspects early in the planning process. Local climatic concerns have also to be addressed.

The next step of urban planning, the detailed planning of housing areas, also significantly affects energy consumption. Many cities already apply comprehensive catalogues of criteria including orientation and arrangement of buildings to ensure that solar energy can be utilised and district heating systems can be installed cost-effectively, and environmental and energy-efficiency standards for individual buildings.