Evaluation of Carbon Footprint of the Renovation of Urban Spaces

Abstract

This publication presents a methodology for the evaluation of the carbon footprint of urban renewal projects. New models of architecture and urban environments that are replicated in many parts of the world are notable for the inclusion of plants and trees of all sizes and functions, which can absorb tons of CO2 and pollutants annually and produce oxygen. With the methodology developed in the present work, it is possible to analyse the amortisation period of these urban environments in terms of their carbon footprint by considering the reduction of the impact that is achieved with the increase of landscaped areas. Moreover, the carbon footprint of the construction process from the cradle to the grave can be determined as its indirect footprint. The street renewal has incorporated water-sensitive criteria, with the construction of five green areas, and of roads and pavements. The methodology identifies changes in garden designs, soil drainage, and rainwater-collection systems in terms of carbon footprint. The carbon footprint results from the execution of the work and the carbon sequestration by vegetation in a year, whereby differences are detected between scenarios. Materials and systems can be ranked according to their impact. The indirect footprint increases by a factor of 2.6 in comparison with that of a project without new green areas. However, in the long run, it is possible to triple the carbon capture capacity and halve the direct footprint during the use phase. This balance implies, at the end of the life cycle, that the carbon footprint has been reduced by 75%. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.