A Land-Based Method for Assessing and Optimizing Carbon Emissions in Spatial Planning of Builtup Areas

Built-up area (BUA) significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions,making strategic spatial planning crucial for carbon emission control.Given the diverse land use patterns and carbon emission sources in BUAs,this study proposed a land-based strategy system for carbon emission assessment and optimization.A three-step method was devised to create a planner-friendly tool for implementing the system,which involves carbon emission intensity calculation based on current land use,spatial illustration of carbon emission intensities based on land use planning,and planning program optimization and emission reduction effect assessment.The method was applied to the central urban area of Changxing County (Zhejiang) in China.The results showed that the structures and emission intensities of urban land use substantially influenced the overall carbon emissions in the central urban area.Our comprehensive land use optimization strategies reduced the overall carbon emissions of the central urban area by 36.9% when compared to the original planning program.The Monte Carlo simulation indicated that land use structure optimization and emission intensity control measures could reduce carbon emission rate by 5.20% to 18.28%,and 18.44% to 31.67%,respectively.The results underlined the importance of making specific adjustments to land use structure and implementing intensity control measures for effective carbon reduction.In conclusion,this study offers methods and insights for urban planners in creating sustainable and low-carbon urban spaces.