The Role of Urban Form and Vegetation in Residential Energy Consumption: A Pilot Study of Sector 22, Chandigarh

¹ Department of Architecture and Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India,
² Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3, Canada

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Global urbanization and economic growth are projected to significantly intensify energy demand, with estimates suggesting a 70% increase in urban energy consumption by 2050 compared to 2013. Among the multiple drivers of this trend, urban morphology plays a critical role in shaping both energy demand and its spatial distribution. Urban morphology encompasses the structure of cities—such as street patterns, open spaces, and canopies—the built form defined by density, layout, and building height, and the broader functional characteristics of urban systems. Understanding the nexus between urban form and energy consumption is essential for advancing sustainable urban development. This study investigates the influence of urban form and green cover on residential energy consumption through a pilot analysis of Sector 22, Chandigarh. Sector 22 was selected due to its diverse building typologies, which reflect broader patterns across the city. The research focuses exclusively on residential buildings, encompassing a total of 2519 building units. Key morphological parameters examined include building orientation, height, plot level open space, and proximity to tree cover and green spaces. Methodologically, a multivariate cluster analysis was employed to identify variations in energy consumption per square meter of built-up area. The results reveal distinct differences between government and private residential clusters. The generalized linear regression (GLR) model using log- transformed energy intensity indicates that building height and plot-level open space are the strongest predictors of residential energy intensity. Building height shows a statistically significant negative association with energy intensity, while open space reveals a significant moderating influence. Orientation shows marginal effects, whereas proximity-to-green and tree-buffer metrics are not statistically significant in the global model. Multivariate clustering (k = 5) reveals a clear spatial demarcation between government and private residential typologies, structured primarily by height and openness rather than by proximity to green spaces alone. The findings underscore the critical role of urban form in shaping energy demand at the neighborhood scale. By highlighting the interplay of morphology and vegetation cover, this research contributes evidence to support energy-efficient urban planning and the integration of green infrastructure into residential layouts. Such insights are particularly relevant for policy frameworks seeking to mitigate rising urban energy consumption in rapidly expanding cities.