Enhancing Urban Heating Systems Planning through Spatially Explicit Participatory Modeling

Effective planning of urban heating systems is crucial for achieving net-zero emissions at the city level. In particular, spatial dimension plays a pivotal role in shaping design and operation these systems. Nonetheless, integration energy rarely performed. To address this deficit, current study proposes participatory modeling methodology that explicitly incorporates to facilitate decision-making The applied case municipality evaluate its benefits implications stakeholders involved heat planning. results reveal nature enhances legitimacy, transparency, relevance process by engaging stakeholders, so as exploit their valuable knowledge, experience, understanding local context related challenges. developed provides representation district expansion, technology transition district-building level, installed capacities each district, thereby improving coherence integrated with other plans. Consequently, incorporation adds nuanced layer outcomes standard level optimization models.