Formulating Energy-Oriented Urban Design Principles with an Emphasis on the LEED-ND Approach (Case Study: Valiasr Neighborhood, Tabriz)

Imani Shamloo, Javad; Beheshti Asl, Salva

Formulating Energy-Oriented Urban Design Principles with an Emphasis on the LEED-ND Approach (Case Study: Valiasr Neighborhood, Tabriz)

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

Javad Imani Shamloo ¹

Salva Beheshti Asl ²

¹ Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Tabriz, Iran.

² MSc Student in Urban Design, Department of Architecture and Urbanism, Tabriz Islamic Arts University, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: Cities account for approximately three-quarters of global primary energy consumption and nearly 60% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, around 15% of the global population lives in energy poverty, marking the onset of the first global energy crisis. Given the worldwide significance of energy issues and the limitations and necessity of resource conservation, energy has become one of the most critical challenges of our era. One of the major challenges lies in the lack of effective planning and design for new neighborhoods, along with the continued use of outdated comprehensive and detailed planning models. In response to these issues, new approaches grounded in sustainable development principles have been proposed. One of the key methods for assessing sustainability involves indicator-based analyses derived from environmental certification systems. Among these, the LEED-ND rating system has gained popularity among planners and designers as a market-driven approach to promoting sustainability through urban design. This framework provides a comprehensive methodology for designing and evaluating urban spaces, prioritizing sustainability, resilience, and social well-being. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the sustainability status of the Valiasr neighborhood in the metropolis of Tabriz based on LEED-ND criteria and to formulate effective urban design principles tailored to the local conditions of this neighborhood.
Methodology: This study is quantitative in nature, applied in terms of its objective, and descriptive in character. Data collection was conducted through both documentary (library) research and field surveys. For the analysis, the LEED-ND model was employed as the evaluation framework. In this research, 16 criteria and indicators were selected to assess the sustainability of the neighborhood.
Findings and Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that the neighborhood falls within the Silver certification level. Given the scarcity of energy resources, population growth, and rising energy consumption, the neighborhood requires the development of urban design principles to move closer to achieving sustainability goals. The results demonstrate that the neighborhood achieved full scores in the indicators related to steep slope protection, mixed-use neighborhood centers, access to recreational facilities, tree-lined and shaded streets, and neighborhood schools. These indicators must be preserved and enhanced. For the remaining indicators, further measures are required to obtain the necessary points and improve overall sustainability performance.

Keywords

Energy

Urban Design

LEED-ND Approach

Valiasr Neighborhood

Tabriz

Subjects

Sustainable Urban Development

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