DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE WORK HERE.
The fight against climate change is a global challenge, and our city neighbourhoods play a fundamental role in this transition towards a more sustainable future. The Master’s Thesis entitled ‘Neighbourhood Decarbonisation in Benicalap, Valencia, Spain: A Methodological Approach to Estimating Scope 1 and 2 Emissions and Mitigation Measures’ takes an innovative approach to the transformation of Benicalap, an emblematic neighbourhood in Valencia, towards carbon neutrality. This work has been developed by Eduardo Reyes Blancas under the direction of Carlos Vargas Salgado and David Alfonso Solar, and represents a crucial step in Valencia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda.
The main objective of the study is to evaluate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in scopes 1 and 2 of the Benicalap neighbourhood and to propose concrete and effective measures for their mitigation. These measures not only seek to significantly reduce emissions, but also to promote a sustainable and socially inclusive urban transformation.
The methodology applied combines tools such as Google Maps to identify areas, Excel to calculate emissions and Datadis to access electricity consumption data. Among the strategies proposed, the reduction of parking spaces to encourage the use of public transport and cleaner alternatives stands out, as well as the energy rehabilitation of old buildings to improve their efficiency.
Main results and innovative proposals
The project estimates a total reduction of 33,330.2 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 65% of current scope 1 and 2 emissions in Benicalap. This will be achieved through the implementation of measures such as:
- Renewable energy: Installation of photovoltaic systems that harness solar radiation on urban roofs.
- Nature-based solutions (NBS): Incorporation of green spaces in areas currently used for car parks, which contributes to improving air quality and biodiversity.
- Energy efficiency: Refurbishment of buildings constructed before the 1980s, optimising their thermal insulation and reducing their energy demand.
- Sustainable mobility: Promotion of public transport and electrification of the vehicle fleet in the neighbourhood.
These measures not only reduce the carbon footprint, but also have a positive impact on the quality of life of the inhabitants, fostering greater social cohesion and a more liveable urban environment.
A replicable model
The comprehensive approach adopted in this study combines technological innovation, economic analysis and social commitment. Its replicability allows other neighbourhoods in Valencia, and even in other cities, to adopt these strategies and adapt them to their specific contexts. This reinforces Valencia’s leadership in the urban energy transition and consolidates the city as a benchmark in sustainability.
In conclusion, Eduardo Reyes Blancas’ Master’s Thesis not only charts a clear path towards the decarbonisation of Benicalap, but also inspires new ways of rethinking our cities from a fairer and more sustainable perspective. The implementation of these measures is not only feasible, but essential for moving towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
