Neighborhood Renovation for Reaching EU Targets with Smart Analysis on the Way to 2030 and 2035

Neighborhood-scale decarbonization is essential to achieving urban climate neutrality, yet existing methods often rely on complex, technology-intensive models that are difficult to implement in aging urban areas. This study introduces a simplified smart analysis method and decision-support framework to facilitate net-zero energy and emissions transitions at the neighborhood level through impactful, low-disruption interventions. Applied to a mixed-use neighborhood in Izmir, Türkiye, part of the European Union Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, the methodology evaluates four intervention strategies: rooftop Photovoltaic systems, air-source heat pumps, solar-powered LED street lighting, and repurposing idle public spaces. The analysis quantifies energy demand, CO2 emissions, and economic performance based on standardized data and incremental renovation scenarios. Results show that a gradual renovation approach, with a 10% annual replacement rate for heating systems, full rooftop Photovoltaic deployment, and street lighting retrofitting, can achieve a net-zero energy balance in 6–7 years. Redirecting fossil fuel and electricity subsidies to support renewable technologies makes these interventions economically viable within the same period. This framework demonstrates that neighborhood-scale climate neutrality can be attained without extensive structural changes, providing a replicable tool for cities with similar conditions aiming to meet European Union climate targets.