AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightThe findings provide a quantitative framework for integrating solar optimization into zoning and urban design to support energy-efficient, sustainable cities.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
The effective use of renewable energy sources is vital for achieving sustainable urbanization through green buildings. Integrating solar energy conservation into urban-scale settlement plans can significantly reduce dependence on nonrenewable energy used for heating. Spatial planning that considers solar energy efficiency therefore contributes to creating more sustainable urban environments. Since zoning plans are long-term and difficult to revise, they should be approached from multiple perspectives during the planning stage. This study analyzes the physical and planning parameters affecting the solar exposure potential of building facades within zoning islands. It was conducted on a selected undeveloped zoning island in the city center of Afyonkarahisar Province. Basic urban development components such as block orientation, building height, typology, and road width were evaluated as criteria. These components were modeled using rigid modeling based on the current zoning plan and alternative configurations, and corresponding simulations were generated. Annual solar energy on building facades was calculated using the SEBE (Solar Energy on Building Envelopes) algorithm within GIS-based solar radiation models for different scenarios. Results revealed that building height and orientation are the most influential parameters, causing up to a 15% variation in solar potential. The findings provide a quantitative framework for integrating solar optimization into zoning and urban design to support energy-efficient, sustainable cities.