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Blame the exurbs, not the suburbs: Exploring the distribution of greenhouse gas emissions within a city region

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  • Wilson, Jeffrey
  • Spinney, Jamie
  • Millward, Hugh
  • Scott, Darren
  • Hayden, Anders
  • Tyedmers, Peter

Abstract

This research investigates whether where we live matters in terms of contributions to direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using results from the Halifax Space Time Activity Research (STAR) project, we estimate GHG emissions for 1920 randomly selected respondents in Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia, Canada. The unique data set allows us to report direct GHG emissions with an unprecedented level of specificity at the sub-regional scale using household energy-use survey data and GPS-verified travel data. We report results and investigate statistical differences between communities and urban–rural zones (inner city, suburban, and inner and outer commuter belts). Results reveal considerable spatial variability in direct GHG emissions across the study area. Our findings indicate that individuals living in the suburbs generate similar amounts of GHG emissions (20.5kg CO2e person−1day−1) to those living in the inner city (20.2kg CO2e person−1day−1), challenging a widely held assumption that living in the urban centre is better for sustainability. However, individuals in more rural areas have significantly higher transport-related GHG emissions than those living in the inner city and suburbs. Our results underscore the importance of understanding the spatial distribution of GHG emissions at the sub-regional scale.

Suggested Citation

  • Wilson, Jeffrey & Spinney, Jamie & Millward, Hugh & Scott, Darren & Hayden, Anders & Tyedmers, Peter, 2013. "Blame the exurbs, not the suburbs: Exploring the distribution of greenhouse gas emissions within a city region," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 1329-1335.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:62:y:2013:i:c:p:1329-1335
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.07.012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Peng Du & Antony Wood & Brent Stephens, 2016. "Empirical Operational Energy Analysis of Downtown High-Rise vs. Suburban Low-Rise Lifestyles: A Chicago Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-27, June.
    3. Eugene Mohareb & Daniela Perrotti, 2024. "Sustainability transitions require an understanding of smaller cities," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 28(1), pages 6-16, February.
    4. Meimei Wang & Yongchun Yang & Tao Guo, 2021. "Measurement of Urban–Rural Integration Level in Suburbs and Exurbs of Big Cities Based on Land-Use Change in Inland China: Chengdu," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-17, May.
    5. François Des Rosiers & Marius Thériault & Gjin Biba & Marie-Hélène Vandersmissen, 2017. "Greenhouse gas emissions and urban form: Linking households’ socio-economic status with housing and transportation choices," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 44(5), pages 964-985, September.
    6. O'Driscoll, Conor & Crowley, Frank & Doran, Justin & McCarthy, Nóirín, 2022. "Retail sprawl and CO2 emissions: Retail centres in Irish cities," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    7. Li, Zhihui & Deng, Xiangzheng & Peng, Lu, 2020. "Uncovering trajectories and impact factors of CO2 emissions: A sectoral and spatially disaggregated revisit in Beijing," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).

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