LCA and scenario analysis of a Norwegian net-zero GHG emission neighbourhood: The importance of mobility and surplus energy from PV technologies

Abstract

The Zero Emission Neighbourhood (ZEN) concept gives a unique chance to assess the nexus of buildings, mobility, and energy systems to limit global warming and mitigate climate change. ZENs rely on the use of passive-house technologies in combination with local renewable-energy production such as by photo-voltaic (PV) systems to meet the internal energy demand and for export of surplus energy to the external power grid. We developed a modular LCA model that includes five physical elements: buildings, mobility, infrastructure, networks, and on-site energy. The model is applied on Ydalir, an ambitious ZEN in the early planning phases in Norway. Several scenarios were created to explore alternative mobility patterns and an upscaling of electricity production. The results show mobility to be the major source of greenhouse-gas emissions, with 62% of the total emissions in a baseline scenario. To reduce the travel distance of the inhabitants, measures such as car-sharing or greater use of public transports are highlighted as the best options to improve the climate performance of Ydalir. An upscaling of the electricity production from PV panels would allow for significantly reduced system-wide emissions if more surplus electricity is exported and can substitute power generated from fossil fuels or replace fossil fuels used in mobility.