Abstract
To reach the energy and climate targets an important, but also very complex task lies within the existing built up area. Both the energy transition and the transition towards new housing models are asking for an approach on a larger scale. The focus can not solely lie on transforming individual buildings, so an approach on neighborhood level seems to be a valid option. The renovation rate of 0,7% in Flanders (Belgium) at the moment will not be enough to reach a full energy neutral housing stock by 2050. Moreover, examples of energy neutral neighborhoods are all based on greenfield developments while the goal of the Flemish government is to reach zero hectare of new land take by 2040. This ban on greenfield developments combined with a lack of larger scale good practices within the existing built up area calls for good examples on how to transform existing neighborhoods from an energetic point of view. In order to facilitate this transformation the Flemish Department of Environment and Spatial Development has launched a trajectory of a strategic exploration, operationalization and project call towards local governments for the development of climate neighborhoods. This paper will present the first results.
