Good Practice Guide: District Energy

Cities worldwide account for over 70% of global energy use and 40-50% of GHG emissions. In a number of cities, heating and cooling represent up to half of local energy consumption and with projected urban growth, there will be increasing pressure on these key infrastructures. Sustainable urban heating and cooling are thus central for cities’ energy transition and for reaching their ambitious goals for tackling climate change. One of the least-costly and most efficient solutions in reducing GHG emissions and primary energy demand is the development of modern, efficient, climate-resilient and low-carbon district energy in cities.
This publication draws from the research and findings of the UNEP report, District Energy in Cities: Unlocking the Potential of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy published under the Global District Energy in Cities Initiative, of which C40 is a partner. This Good Practice Guide focuses on the key elements to successfully deliver district energy in cities, with a survey of best practices leading to better economic, social, and environmental outcomes for cities:
Set long-term targets for low-carbon energy and GHG emissions reduction
Build public awareness and support
Conduct energy mapping to identify appropriate opportunities for district energy
Identify appropriate ownership models for implementing district energy systems
Develop supportive policies and enabling tools
Convert legacy district energy systems from fossil fuels to low-carbon sources
The C40 District Energy Network was established to support cities in sharing experience to help mainstream policies and actions to reduce emissions by promoting low-carbon district heating, cooling and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. The purpose of this Good Practice Guide is to summarise the key elements of district energy good practice for global dissemination, highlighting the success of C40 cities in planning and delivering low-carbon district energy systems.