CNC Report 08.26.24 8.5x11 - Flipbook - Page 73
design and research site limits.
CNC Carbon Neutrality Definition and Scope
For this case study, moving towards carbon neutrality is defined as follows:
Step 1: Reduce carbon emissions to minimize total emitted carbon within site bounds.
Step 2: Maximize renewable energy generation (on-site, within site boundaries ONLY) – this
implies that no off-site offset means are accepted nor considered in the evaluation.
Step 3: Carbon removal through on-site (within site boundaries) sequestration efforts ONLY – this
implies that no off-site sequestration means are accepted nor considered in the evaluation.
Both operational and embodied carbon, stages A1, A-3, and C-1 (see Appendix p139 for more
information), are accounted for. The streetscape, building, water, personal transportation, and largest
carbon contributing personal categories (food, waste, medical, data storage) are included.
Physical And Temporal Constraints
This is a comparatively small corridor (2 miles) investigated in carbon evaluation, which maintains its
visibility at a neighborhood district scale. The number of residents along this corridor is not necessarily
representative of other parts of the city, as the relationship between residential gross floor area (GFA)
to retail and office GFA is different due to the corridor’s nature as a main road/hub. This means less
residents compared to density of amenities, which is especially true for the existing case. Nonetheless,
the corridor allows us to investigate the effect of adding density (more residents) while simultaneously
increasing the efficiency of the corridor regarding building energy use, embodied carbon, transport
emissions, additional PV and sequestration.
Higher population density reduces per capita carbon emissions:
•
•
•
•
•
Aim for high population density in combination with good public transport, walkability and bicycle
friendliness.
District should be controlled for income and household size (avoiding high-income segregation),
e.g. via social housing or other programs.
Incorporate concerns of current residents into the process of densifying the community. Factors
that can have positive impact:
• Mixed-use, climate-neutral projects
• Development by non-profit investors
• Rent control and inclusive zoning
• Participatory planning
Design dense, not tall, districts:
• Favoring 3-6 story buildings that can be built using low embodied carbon materials.
• No detached high-rises that require concrete and steel for structure (high embodied carbon).
• Aim for densities of 8,000 to 15,000 persons per square mile.
Locate Resource Hubs:
• These include concentrated parking structures, education facilities, groceries, etc.
• Centrally located within walking distance to serve as many residents and visitors as possible.
CASE STUDY TOWARD A CARBON NEUTRAL CORRIDOR
73
