A Digital Twins model of the buildings in each block will be generated using physics-driven simulation connected with operational data. IES’s consultants will then virtually test out the impact of making a series of operational and retrofit changes to the buildings in order to reduce the energy demand as low as possible before looking at ways energy can be shared and demand met by the installation of renewable or low energy technology in order to create a Positive Energy Block.

A Positive Energy Block is a group of three or more buildings that produce more energy than they consume in an annual period. IES will create a workflow tool that guides districts and cities through the process of creating a Positive Energy block using our ICL tools.

Using learning from this project and IES’s years of experience in this area, the tool will first look at improving efficiency measures, and then at integrating local renewable production and management of the energy at a block or building level. Using demand response and flexibility to ensure energy demand is met and exceeded and a Positive Energy Block created.

Socio-economic modelling and e-mobility impacts will be integrated into the model. so that potential changes in energy supply and demand can be understood through the wider frame of socio-economics.  For example, if we improve the efficiency of a block of buildings, how does that affect citizen health, and reduce fuel poverty? Or if we were to add EV charging stations, where would citizens want them, how do we ensure they are accessible and how would we decide where to put them from an electricity network perspective?

IES will also create a public dashboard and 3D community engagement model in order to drive bottom-up citizen engagement to inform, educate and elicit behavioural change. Dashboards and customised displays will be designed for both technical users and the general public, allowing for informed decisions relating to all areas of spatial, economic, technical, environmental and social context as well as public consultation.