Abstract
At a global level, the need for energy efficiency and an increased share of renewable
energy sources is evident, as is the crucial role of cities due to the rapid urbanization rate. As a
consequence of this, the research work related to Positive Energy Districts (PED) has accelerated in
recent years. A common shared definition, as well as technological approaches or methodological
issues related to PEDs are still unclear in this development and a global scientific discussion is needed.
The International Energy Agency’s Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme (IEA EBC)
Annex 83 is the main platform for this international scientific debate and research. This paper
describes the challenges of PEDs and the issues that are open for discussions and how the Annex 83
is planned and organized to facilitate this and to actively steer the development of PEDs major leaps
forward. The main topics of discussion in the PED context are the role and importance of definitions
of PEDs, virtual and geographical boundaries in PEDs, the role of different stakeholders, evaluation
approaches, and the learnings of realized PED projects.