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At The Smart City Talks webinar on 12 December we discussed the latest research and practical work on integrating climate impacts into urban development. At the same time, a beta version of the low-carbon assessment method for town plans developed by Sitowise was published.
- It is a tool for assessing the overall impacts of climate change mitigation, providing accurate information in all emission categories from a "one-stop-shop". Our twelve partner cities have just started testing our method, says Eero Puurunen, Service Manager at Sitowise.
Geometry data is imported into the tool, the user enters supplementary information, and the data is combined with background data. The method produces automated estimates of various deliverables, such as construction, energy consumption and traffic. Based on these, emissions are calculated, which are presented in the results section.
- The tool can be used to compare different implementation options for the formula. At the same time, we get better information for implementation planning and what we want to invest in if we want to influence carbon emissions, Puurunen says.
Why and to what is a low-carbon assessment method tool needed for town plans?
The tool provides support for municipalities' climate work and enables the comparison of different implementation options for detailed plans.
- In addition, during detailed planning, we will receive information on what is most important in terms of emissions and what kind of low-carbon solutions should be considered in more detailed planning.
At the same time, the convergence of calculations will bring benefits. When all calculations for a particular municipality are made in the same way, the results can be compared and interpreted better by understanding what the principles of calculation are.
The Low-carbon assessment method for town plans tool utilises Sitowise's Smart Analytics data.
- For urban planning and zoning, we have produced an AI-based tool, Smart Analytics, which provides data describing forests and environments on their condition, such as estimating carbon stocks, says Sanna Härkönen, Product Business Lead at Sitowise.
- The tool is closely linked to open and comprehensive documentation. The tool is suitable for all types of town plans, and the method has also been developed for the needs of preliminary studies. The method can also be used to evaluate other projects that correspond to the town plan, says Puurunen.
The development of a low-carbon assessment method for town plans is underway through beta testing with partners, and the product will be published in autumn 2024.