International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 03 | Mar 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Integrating Carbon Handprint Assessments into City Planning for Promoting Urban Sustainable Growth Neema. P. G1, Ar. Bindu. C. A2 1PG Student, School of Architecture and Planning, Government Engineering College, Thrissur 2Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Planning, Government Engineering College, Thrissur
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Abstract - This article explores how the carbon handprint
focuses on the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere, a carbon handprint represents the positive steps we take toward the environment. Consider doing not only less harm, but also doing good for our planet.
approach can be implemented in urban planning, specifically focusing on exercising the carbon handprint at the city and regional levels. It aims to minimize the carbon footprint and support environmentally friendly practices as much as possible. The Espoo, Finland case study emphasizes four key components as pivotal to the research: creating environments conducive to climate-friendly operations, allowing local access to city-owned resources, encouraging the development of innovative urban projects, and building a sustainable business ecosystem. It also assesses the contribution of renewables and sustainable infrastructure, such as electric vehicle systems, to increase the carbon handprint. These findings illustrate the capacity of cities to do their share in mitigating climate change through deliberate actions that not only minimize the harmful effects but can also lead to scalable, low-enrichment pathways. This study informs and advises policymakers, planners, and regional authorities, presenting a strategic framework for the adoption of a carbon handprint mechanism to uplift climate-aligned urban settings when intertwined with sustainability and resilience plans and policies.
This work investigates how cities can maximize their positive impact with the help of the strategies to uplift carbon handprint, laying a new paradigm for the field of urban planning. It answers the urgent call for cities not only to mitigate their negative carbon footprint, but to also support scalable, low-carbon solutions. Focusing on carbon handprints — initiatives such as energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, and green infrastructure — allows cities to significantly ramp up their climate-impactful growth. The overall aim is to design and test strategies for producing and integrating carbon handprint assessments into urban plans, in order to provide policymakers and urban planners with relevant information to design climate-positive urban systems around the world. It’s creating cities that don’t just sustain, but make our planet healthier. Table -1: Table showing the basic difference in carbon footprint and handprint aspects
Key Words: Carbon handprint, Carbon footprint, Urban Planning, Sustainable Growth, Renewable Energy, Climate Change Mitigation
1. INTRODUCTION Imagination our cities not only as contributors to climate change but as the locations where positive environmental change is created. Right now, cities, accounting for more than 75% of global resource consumption and a big part of greenhouse gases as well, are still major contributors to climate change. In conclusion, with 68% of the world's population expected to live in cities by 2050, these initiatives have never been more essential to ensure sustainable urban living. This is especially the case for countries such as India, which is the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world and where metropolitan areas deal with high per capita emissions. What if we could change the narrative? Which is where the carbon handprint comes in. This powerful counterpart to the better-known carbon footprint comes to us from the mind of Gregory Norris [4]. While a carbon footprint
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Impact Factor value: 8.315
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Aspect
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Handprint
Definition
Total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an activity, product, or organization.
Positive environmental impact by reducing or avoiding carbon emissions.
Focus
Measures the negative environmental impact.
Measures the positive environmental impact or solutions to reduce harm.
Purpose
Highlights the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere.
Focuses on actions that reduce CO2 emissions or increase carbon capture.
Approach
Tracks and calculates emissions from production, transportation, energy use, etc.
Tracks activities that mitigate emissions, such as sustainable practices or renewable energy.
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