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Urban ArchetypesThe CANMET Energy Technology Centre (CETC) is developing a library of Canadian Urban Archetypes to be used as a reference by municipalities, urban planners and developers to better understand the energy implications of different development patterns. An urban archetype is a profile of an individual neighbourhood, a synthesis of its physical infrastructure, energy consumption and reported resident behaviour. To create this profile, data is collected from city hall, the utilities and through a survey of area residents. Each archetype consists of approximately 300 homes or dwelling units and can be any development pattern, from single family residential to mixed-use neighbourhoods. The premise of the Canadian Urban Archetypes project is that urban form, lifestyle patterns and energy consumption are inextricably linked. Urban planning decisions such as density, the mix of uses, and transit infrastructure play a significant role in the overall energy demand of a community. However, energy has not traditionally been a factor in decision making for Canadian communities. The energy implications of urban planning decisions are therefore often not fully realized until well after build out, if ever.
By creating a library of Canadian Urban Archetypes, CETC is building a reference tool that supports decision making in urban planning and infrastructure projects to reduce energy demand and that creates the opportunity for increased implementation of community energy systems. CETC is currently seeking a diverse range of communities to participate in the Canadian Urban Archetypes project. If your community is interested please contact the individuals below to get involved.
To learn more about CETC's urban archetype project, please contact Ken Church kchurch@nrcan.gc.ca; (613) 947-8952) or Jessica Webster Jessica.Webster@nrcan.gc.ca; (613) 992- 9532) of the Community Energy Planning Group.
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