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Carbon reduction technology pathways for existing buildings in eight cities
Yu Qian Ang1, Zachary Michael Berzolla2, Samuel Letellier-Duchesne2
1Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. yuqian@mit.edu.
Nature Communications
|April 4, 2023
Summary
Building retrofits and solar energy significantly cut carbon emissions, helping cities meet climate targets. Further electrification and grid decarbonization are key for long-term success.
Area of Science:
- Building Science
- Urban Planning
- Climate Policy
Background:
- Existing buildings represent a significant source of urban carbon emissions.
- Cities worldwide face increasing pressure to meet near- and long-term carbon emissions reduction targets.
- Technology pathways for building retrofits are crucial for achieving climate goals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify technology pathways for existing buildings to meet carbon emissions reduction targets.
- To define city-specific retrofitting packages and assess onsite photovoltaic potential.
- To evaluate the impact of retrofits and grid decarbonization on emissions.
Main Methods:
- Collaboration with policymakers in eight global cities.
- Definition of shallow and deep retrofitting packages based on city interests.
- Analysis of energy use and carbon emissions reduction potential.
Main Results:
- Stock-wide retrofits reduced energy use by up to 66% and carbon emissions by up to 84%.
- Several cities can meet 2030 targets with retrofits; some can meet 2050 targets with grid decarbonization.
- Lack of heating/hot water electrification hinders further emissions reduction in some municipalities.
Conclusions:
- Building retrofits and onsite solar offer substantial emissions reductions.
- City-specific analyses are needed due to varying climates and construction practices.
- Policy implementation is occurring, indicating the value of the identified pathways.
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