An investigation of the relationship between energy efficiency applications and costs in island-based urban renewal: A case of Antalya

Since their first appearance, cities have faced renewal or transformation problems for many reasons. Urban planning is the only way to physically improve residential areas and transform cities into socially and economically livable spaces. However, energy sources are being depleted rapidly worldwide due to the development of new residential areas and the expansion of cities. Energy-dependent countries focus primarily on regional energy efficiency when it comes to urban renewal projects. Turkish researchers have directed their attention to energy efficiency because Turkey has been facing exponential growth in energy demand and pouring billions of dollars out to meet the need. Therefore, this paper proposed Base Building Models depending on energy consumption and material cost data. The sample consisted of three blocks in an island-based urban renewal project launched in Gülveren District in Kepez/Antalya. The Base Building Models consisted of Design Building Models based on energy-efficient applications (improvements in thermal insulation materials and window and lighting system and adding solar shades, air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic systems, etc.) and optimum orientation analysis. Each improvement and application was analyzed using the DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus thermal simulation software packages. The Design Building Models and Base Building Models were compared in terms of energy consumption. The results showed energy savings of 32.4% to 47.0%. The increase in costs due to the improvements and applications was calculated. The optimum insulation material thickness for the building envelope in Antalya was calculated using the life-cycle cost analysis and the degree-day method. This study presents energy-efficient building design criteria for Antalya. We think that the results will help municipalities design sustainable and energy-efficient urban renewal projects.