Extended Abstract
Introduction
Cities are considered the main consumers of energy within a country, and Ahvaz metropolis is recognized as one of the primary energy consumers in Iran. In Ahvaz, the improper distribution of land uses and the lack of adherence to sustainability principles in the optimal allocation of space to various uses at the neighborhood level have become a major issue for urban managers and planners. Additionally, failure to comply with necessary standards for reducing excessive energy consumption in buildings, commercial spaces, etc., has exacerbated this problem. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of urban land use planning on reducing energy consumption in Ahvaz metropolis, focusing on the neighborhoods of Pardis and Kianpars.
Research Methodology
The research method employed is descriptive-analytical in nature and practical in terms of its objectives. To elucidate the theoretical foundations, library-documentary studies were utilized. Subsequently, to complement the research findings, field surveys and pattern sampling were conducted, along with meetings with experts and the development of questionnaires targeting elites. Software analyses were performed within the framework of scenario modeling using Wizard for assessing land use status and improving energy consumption. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS for Chi-square tests, decision-making models such as Markov models, and structural equation modeling.
Conclusion
The results indicate that for all categories of land use, Chi-square values are below the critical threshold, suggesting significant statistical differences between the neighborhoods of Pardis and Kianpars. Specifically, transportation use in Kianpars shows a notable difference with a value of 0.412 compared to 0.237 in Pardis. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in educational, healthcare, recreational, residential, and commercial uses between the two neighborhoods, particularly in recreational use with values of 0.678 in Kianpars and 0.489 in Pardis. These results imply that Kianpars generally has more diverse and denser land uses compared to Pardis. Notably, in healthcare and commercial uses, Kianpars shows higher concentrations with values of 0.523 and 0.587 respectively. These differences can significantly impact energy consumption patterns and the quality of life for residents in both neighborhoods.Key factors influencing these indicators include fuel pricing (A5) with a coefficient of 0.687, macro policies (A9) with a coefficient of 0.683, and diversity of consumption resources (A6) with a coefficient of 0.681; these three factors have the most substantial impact on energy consumption. Factors with moderate influence include modern technologies (A7), transportation patterns (A1), and resource limitations (A8), which also significantly affect energy consumption but to a lesser extent than the three primary factors. Factors with minimal influence include consumption culture (A10) with a coefficient of 0.534 and architecture and construction (A12) with a coefficient of 0.512; while these factors have the least impact in the model, they remain important.
Research Findings
The impact of land use arrangement on energy consumption in Ahvaz indicates that appropriate land use planning can significantly reduce energy consumption. Given the existing differences in land use between these two neighborhoods, distinct strategies can be proposed for reducing energy consumption in each area. In Kianpars, focusing on optimizing energy consumption in existing buildings and improving public transportation systems can be effective. In Pardis, considering the presence of vacant lands provides opportunities for sustainable low-energy development planning. It was also found that urban land use in Kianpars, despite mixed uses and high density, leads to higher energy consumption and poorer performance on sustainable transportation indicators. Structural equation modeling results show that land use has a significant impact on energy consumption indicators in both neighborhoods of Pardis and Kianpars in Ahvaz. High impact coefficients above 0.5 for all variables indicate a strong relationship between land use and energy consumption. Statistical analysis reveals that land use in Pardis and Kianpars accounts for 84% of the variance in energy consumption indicators; this large value demonstrates the high potential of land use to explain variations in energy consumption.