# A Methodology to Improve Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Urban Environments
## 6 Conclusions and Future Developments  
The development of this methodology aims to provide different approaches for evaluating microclimatic conditions and simulated solar potential values, and we promote its replicability in other case studies, as well. To summarize the main results achieved in the three different phases (Figure 16), it is important to highlight that in the case of the microclimatic analyses, the introduction of cool materials in urban areas demonstrates clear improvements in terms of microclimatic conditions, particularly in reducing surface temperatures and mitigating the urban heat island effect; in the case of solar potential analyses, the use of correction coefficients helps in obtaining more reliable solar potential values compared to simplified models. This approach considers specific characteristics of individual buildings and areas, enhancing the accuracy of the results; and in the design phase, the implementation of new photovoltaic systems, replacement of windows, and introduction of insulation material can lead to a significant improvement in energy performance. Figure 16: Summary scheme of the major results, limitations and future work of the different phases developed. Figure 15: **(a,b)** The energy empowerment project of the building; **(c)** energy performance class. However, it is important to acknowledge certain limitations associated with the methodology that, in some situations, may compromise the results obtained. In the microclimatic analysis phase, the model used is highly simplified due to restrictions in the Envi-met software. While this allows for faster simulations, it may not capture specific characteristics of individual buildings and areas, allowing for an incorrect simulation of the surface temperatures. In the solar potential analysis phase, the identification of surfaces and materials relied solely on visual analyses, which can be a laborious and time-consuming process. This process can also lead to inaccuracies that alter the calculation of actual available solar potential. Additionally, the placement of photovoltaic panels in the design phase was conducted in an approximate manner, which may affect the precision of the results about their production. These limitations should be taken into account when applying the methodology, and they can be further addressed through advancements in software capabilities, data collection methods, and modeling techniques. It is also important to highlight that the interference between all these types of analyses represents an important future work: to try to integrate better all the results. In the described context, future research developments can certainly be addressed; firstly, towards the identification of the different kinds of interference that could be present between mitigation systems and the applied PV panels. It is crucial to evaluate the integrated behavior between different active and passive systems. While implementing mitigation systems and PV panels can be beneficial, potential negative aspects such as glare from over-reflective surfaces and heat emissions from photovoltaic surfaces should also be considered. Further research can focus on optimizing the balance between these systems to maximize overall benefits. To expedite the process of surface and material detection, utilizing drones and implementing photogrammetry and deep learning techniques can be beneficial. These technologies can enhance efficiency and accuracy in identifying suitable areas for photovoltaic installations and other interventions [50; 51]. Finally, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits derived from building improvements, it is important to compare energy production and consumption. Evaluating the real self-sustainability of buildings involves analyzing the balance between energy production from PV systems and energy consumption by the building itself. This assessment provides valuable insights into the overall energy performance and sustainability of the building.