Co-designing the urban energy transition: A resident-based approach

The high ambitions for renewable carbon technologies, increasing electricity demands and technological developments will likely open for more small-scale electricity production closer to end users in cities and urbanized areas. This paper seeks to understand how participatory design methods and the integration of renewable energy techniques like photovoltaics can contribute to more democratic, sustainable, and livable urban planning in the age of energy transition. Data was analysed through participatory design workshops in a suburban district in the north of Sweden, with residents living and working there, and with stakeholders from the municipality and the local energy company. The results of the resident design workshop indicate a significant reservoir of knowledge and creative ability among the participants. It emphasizes the importance of bringing people together to share their opinions and ideas for a more democratic planning in the built environment. The stakeholder workshop indicates that co-operations between multiple stakeholders and the development of participatory methods are essential for addressing the problematic issues associated with e.g., building regulations and community shared electricity. Fostering collaboration, and promoting inclusive decision-making, can lead to more effective and sustainable practices, better regulatory frameworks, and improved outcomes for communities.