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The fight against climate change requires concrete actions and strategies based on the detailed analysis of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the local level. In this context, the research entitled ‘Assessing the decarbonisation potential of residential areas considering scopes 1, 2 and 3: case study L’Illa Perduda, Valencia, Spain’, carried out by Dorra Jouini at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), constitutes a significant contribution to the assessment and mitigation of emissions in urban environments.
Context and Objectives of the Study
Cities, despite occupying a small percentage of the earth’s surface, account for approximately 75% of global CO₂ emissions, according to the UN. Thus, the need to implement decarbonisation strategies in residential neighbourhoods becomes critical to achieve the climate goals set out in international frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This study focuses on the L’Illa Perduda neighbourhood in Valencia, and proposes a methodological framework to quantify GHG emissions from various sources, including direct, indirect and value chain emissions. The research uses the methodology of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) and considers the following three scopes:
Scope 1: Direct emissions generated by sources within the neighbourhood, such as fossil fuel consumption in heating and private transport.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the consumption of electricity purchased and used in households and community facilities.
Scope 3: Other indirect emissions linked to the mobility of residents, the life cycle of products consumed, waste generation and the supply of goods and services.
Methodology and Analysis of Results
To quantify emissions, the study collects data on energy consumption, mobility, waste management and residents’ purchasing patterns. From this information, specific emission factors are established for each source, allowing the precise estimation of the neighbourhood’s carbon footprint.
Among the most relevant findings is that Scope 3 emissions represent a significant portion of the total impact, which underlines the importance of considering not only local emissions, but also those generated along the value chain. In addition, electrification of energy consumption and the transition to renewable energy could drastically reduce Scope 2 emissions.
Decarbonisation Strategies and Recommendations
Based on the results obtained, the study proposes a series of measures to reduce GHG emissions in L’Illa Perduda, which could be replicable in other urban environments:
Energy efficiency improvements: implementation of thermal insulation in buildings, replacement of air conditioning equipment with high efficiency models and promotion of photovoltaic self-consumption.
Electrification of transport and sustainable mobility: Promotion of the use of bicycles and public transport, as well as the installation of charging points for electric vehicles.
Optimisation of waste management: Reduction of food waste, improvement in waste separation and increase in the recycling rate.
Promotion of sustainable consumption habits: Awareness-raising campaigns to encourage the purchase of local and low environmental impact products.
Integration of nature-based solutions: Creation of urban green spaces, green roofs and heat island mitigation strategies.
Conclusions and Future Perspectives
This study provides a comprehensive approach to the decarbonisation of residential neighbourhoods, incorporating emission assessment methodologies that go beyond direct sources of CO₂. By including all three scopes, a holistic understanding of a community’s environmental impact is achieved and emission reduction opportunities are identified more effectively.
The case of L’Illa Perduda is a model of analysis that can be replicated in other neighbourhoods, and its results can serve as a reference for the design of sustainable urban policies. As cities advance in their commitment to climate neutrality, it is essential to integrate strategies based on scientific evidence and collaboration between administrations, businesses and citizens.
