Planning Pathways Towards Zero-Energy Urban Development in Hot and Dry Climates: A Simulation-Based Study of Semnan, Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Elnaz Maghsoudi ¹

Saeid Kamyabi ²

¹ Se.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

² Se.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran.

10.22067/jrrp.2026.94472.1143

Abstract

Purpose- This study investigates how building-level energy-efficiency and solar-energy measures can inform planning pathways toward zero-energy urban development in hot and dry climates, using Semnan, Iran, as a case study.
Design/methodology/approach- This applied study adopts a quantitative, simulation-based approach. A single-story residential case-study building with a floor area of 260 m² in Semnan was modeled using DesignBuilder and the EnergyPlus simulation engine. First, the annual energy consumption of the building was estimated under the baseline condition. Subsequently, selected energy-efficiency and solar-energy strategies, including improved glazing and the use of solar energy, were incorporated into the building model, and the resulting energy performance was compared with the baseline scenario. The simulation results were then interpreted to identify their implications for planning toward zero-energy urban development in hot and dry climates.
Finding- The baseline simulation resulted in an annual energy-consumption intensity of 103.61 kWh/m²/year. After the modeled improvement measures were applied, this value decreased to 56.62 kWh/m²/year, corresponding to a 45.3% reduction. The results indicate that improving building energy performance can provide a measurable evidence base for planning interventions in hot and dry climates. However, the reduction should not be interpreted as city-wide zero-energy achievement because the analysis is limited to a single building. The study therefore frames building-scale simulation as an initial step that can support subsequent multi-building and urban-scale energy planning.
Practical implications- The findings suggest that zero-energy urban development in hot and dry climates should be approached progressively, beginning with reductions in building energy demand and complemented by renewable-energy integration. For Semnan, climate-responsive building-envelope measures, improved glazing, and photovoltaic integration can be considered within a broader planning framework. Future research should test these strategies across multiple building types and urban scales and incorporate economic, spatial, and occupant-related variables.

Keywords

Zero-Energy Urban Development

Solar Energy

Urban Energy Planning

Hot and Dry Climate

Subjects

• Rural Studies

---