Multi-dimensional self-assessment matrix and scoring system for Positive Energy Districts

Bahanur Nasya^1*Yilmaz Vurucu^1,2Batuhan Akkaya¹Danny Nedkova¹Gireesh Nair³Juveria Shah^4,5Mengjie Han^4,5Xingxing Zhang^4,5

• ¹Wonderland, Wien, Austria
• ²XsentrikArts, Vienna, Austria
• ³Umea universitet Institutionen for tillampad fysik och elektronik, Umeå, Sweden
• ⁴School of Information and Engineering, Dalarna University, Borlänge, Sweden
• ⁵Sustainable Energy Research Centre, Dalarna University, Borlänge, Sweden

A predominant portion of current Positive Energy District (PED) projects focus on technical advancements, often neglecting the non-technical aspects, resulting in failure to achieve the targets of just energy transition. How can PEDs be assessed to ensure a just, inclusive, and context-sensitive energy transition beyond technical solutions? This study focusses on the development of a cohesive approach to PEDs to promote inclusive energy transitions by embedding the multiscale, multisectoral, multi-component, and multi-actor nature of PED development. A multi-criteria PED Matrix was developed and refined using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and expert feedback to evaluate and benchmark PEDs across eight dimensions (social, governance, technical, process, environmental, legal, financial, and managerial). Five European pilot cases (in Austria, Sweden, and Türkiye) were assessed using the matrix, revealing context-specific strengths and capacity-building needs, and enabling cross-case learning and comparison. The PED Matrix supports self-assessment and co-design processes, helping local stakeholders identify weaknesses and required competencies, learning from different PED related cases.