Energy consumption and urban texture

This paper explores the effects of urban texture on building energy consumption. It is based on the analysis of digital elevation models (DEMs)—raster models of cities which have proven to be very effective in the urban context. Different algorithms are proposed and discussed, including the calculation of the urban surface-to-volume ratio and the identification of all building areas that are within 6 m from a façade (passive areas). An established computer model to calculate energy consumption in buildings, the LT model, is coupled with the analysis of DEMs, providing energy simulations over extensive urban areas. Results for the three case study cities of London, Toulouse and Berlin are presented and discussed.