Co-benefits of Smart and Sustainable Energy District Projects: analyzing, defining and suggesting an assessment framework

In the so far partially explored world of “Smart City Projects”, energy focused projects are numerous due to the intrinsic peculiarity of urban areas as energy sinks, as well as wealth sources. Energy consumption and urban renewal are strictly interconnected; thus, European Union is investing in Smart and Sustainable Energy District Projects to encourage a cross sectorial urban transition and renewal. However, sustainability of these projects in terms of their co-benefits at urban level is not well clear. Therefore, the aim of this research is to contribute towards a comprehensive sustainability assessment of EU Smart and Sustainable Energy District Projects, considering co-benefits (social, economic, environmental and institutional benefits). To achieve this aim, a database of Smart and Sustainable Energy District Projects funded by EU Framework Programs 6 and 7 is established. Then, through an in depth investigation of these projects, their co-benefits are derived and categorized versus specialized literature. The research results in (i) an analysis of EU funded Smart and Sustainable Energy District Projects versus their multiple social, economic, environmental and institutional benefits, (ii) a common definition for each co-benefit, as part of sustainability assessment of these projects; and (iii) a suggested framework for analysis of each co-benefit, which will be used to derive indicators for the sustainability assessment. The result of this research allows stakeholders involved in such projects (e.g. decision makers, academics and researchers, industrial companies, etc.) to learn from previous experiences in order to improve their knowledge on co-benefits and enhance sustainability of their projects. In addition, we propose the consideration and accountancy of co-benefits as a relevant evaluation criteria for selection of proposals in future calls for EU funding.