District Energy Viewed from the New Bauhaus Initiative Perspective—Sustainable, Inclusive and Aesthetic Heat

Abstract

(1) Background: To support the energy transition in Europe, the EU has launched multiple initiatives. Supporting the “Green Deal” is the New European Bauhaus (NEB). District heating and cooling (DHC) is an important part of a decarbonized European energy system, and its role in the transition has been stressed by the EU. In this paper, DHC is, for the first time, reviewed assuming the NEB principles. (2) Method: a literature review combined with a review of three cases was used for collecting data. (3) Results: It is confirmed that DHC has strong sustainability values. It is also identified that DHC can become increasingly inclusive by adopting updated digital platforms and new technologies for heat recovery that necessitate close customer interaction whilst recovering waste heat. The least exploited principle is aesthetics. It could sharpen city planning by combining energy system and energy efficiency perspectives, increase the practice of multifunctional buildings (for example energy provision and recreation), and foster a closer interplay between architecture and energy. (4) Conclusions: for both innovating and expanding DHC, the NEB principles can serve as catalysts.