Regenerative Design and Simulation for Future Carbon-Negative Districts

Dear Colleagues,

The urban system faces challenges related to climate change, war, financial crises, environmental challenges, and pandemics. The future carbon-negative districts (CNDs) are a key building block for future urban energy paradigm and carbon-neutral cities. CND integrates renovation, regeneration and planning (RRP) processes.

Regenerative design and simulation for future carbon-negative districts involve innovative approaches to urban transition with a primary focus on environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality. The goal is to create urban spaces that not only minimize their carbon footprint but actively contribute to the regeneration of ecosystems and the reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

This Special Issue aims to provide an opportunity to the scientists investigating the following topics to share their insights:

Holistic Design: Regenerative design takes a holistic approach, considering the entire life cycle of a district, from construction to daily operations and eventual decommissioning. It involves integrating various disciplines such as architecture, urban planning, landscape design, and renewable energy engineering to create synergies that enhance sustainability.

Carbon-Negative Strategies: The emphasis is on going beyond carbon-neutral (zero emissions) to actively sequester and reduce carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It also includes the integration of carbon-negative technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, afforestation, and sustainable building materials, to achieve this goal.

Renewable Energy Integration: Districts are designed to maximize the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to meet energy demands sustainably. Smart grid systems and energy storage technologies are often employed to optimize energy usage and minimize waste.

Green Infrastructure: Incorporating green spaces, permeable surfaces, and biodiversity into the urban fabric helps enhance ecological resilience. Green roofs, vertical gardens, and urban farming contribute to carbon sequestration and provide additional environmental and social benefits.

Simulation and Modeling: Advanced simulation tools and modeling techniques are utilized to optimize the flexibility and resilience of design choices. This includes predicting energy usage, carbon emissions, and the overall ecological footprint of the district before it is built, allowing for iterative design improvements.

Community Engagement: Regenerative design emphasizes community involvement and education to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents. Social sustainability is considered alongside environmental factors, promoting inclusivity and well-being.

Adaptive Design: The designs adapt to changing environmental conditions, future technological advancements, and evolving community needs. Flexibility and resilience are key aspects to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of regenerative districts.

By combining these principles, regenerative design and simulation aim to create urban districts that actively contribute to the regeneration of ecosystems, enhance environmental quality, and serve as models for sustainable living in a carbon-constrained world. 

Dr. Zicheng Hu
Dr. Zhiyuan Tang
Dr. Jindong Wu
Dr. Wei Zhang
Dr. Shuqin Chen
Dr. Ingo Leusbrock
Prof. Dr. Xingxing Zhang
Guest Editors

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