Bridging the Gap: Visualising Socio-Economic and Technical Data for Positive Energy Districts
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2026-01-06
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en
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The Dutch energy transition faces significant structural challenges in transforming residential infrastructure, where the implementation of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) often stagnates due to a critical disconnect between technical planning and socio-economic reality. This master's thesis addresses this gap through a case study of Hengstdal, Nijmegen, a neighbourhood where a previous collective heat network project failed due to resident resistance regarding costs and a lack of transparency rather than technical grounds. The research evaluates the extent to which a Planning Support System (PSS) that visually integrates technical and socio-economic data can improve decision-making. Using a methodology consisting of a pre-scan, tool design, and post-assessment with stakeholders from the Municipality of Nijmegen, Woonwaarts, Alliander, and the Buurtwarmtecoöperatie Hengstdal, a proof-of-concept bivariate choropleth map was developed at the postcode 6-level. By merging technical indicators like gas consumption with socio-economic proxies such as WOZ-values into a single visual matrix, the tool enables stakeholders to identify new correlations, target energy-vulnerable households, and strategically "cherry-pick" areas for intervention. The study concludes that visual integration serves as a powerful catalyst for decision-making by enriching technical data with social context. However, effectiveness remains dependent on context; the tool must function as a diagnostic "conversation starter" that respects local privacy and trust rather than being used as a commercial sales instrument.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen