Shaping the Microclimate: How Urban Form Affects the Energy Demand of Residential Buildings in Fornebu, Norway

Microclimates play a crucial role of how to shape urban environments, influencing both thermal comfort and building energy consumption. Simultaneously, in 2022, 65% of the EU energy consumption in the residential sector was for heating. This paper investigates the relationship between urban morphology, microclimates and building energy demand in cold climates- aiming to lower potential heating loads. The study examines how different urban forms (grid, radial, and mixed layouts) affect local microclimatic conditions and, in turn, influence building energy consumption. Specifically, it explores how urban design impacts wind speed and temperature distribution, two key factors affecting energy demand. To analyse these effects, ENVI-met (a 3D modelling software for urban cooling and climate adaptive planning) was used to simulate microclimatic conditions, while the SIMIEN building energy simulation tool assessed their influence on building energy use. The case study focuses on the area around Nansenparken in Fornebu, Norway, a peninsula in the Oslo Fjord that is undergoing continuous development with the aim of becoming a positive energy district. The findings suggest that urban morphology significantly influences microclimatic conditions, particularly wind patterns. However, only temperature distribution was found to have a significant effect on building energy demand. The impact of urban form on wind patterns presents an interesting avenue for further research. These results can provide valuable insights for future construction and urban planning in Fornebu, offering guidance on optimizing neighbourhood layouts to enhance user comfort and building energy efficiency. Additionally, the study contributes to broader efforts in achieving the goal of transforming Fornebu into a positive energy district.