New carbon emissions mapping system

Citation

(2013), "New carbon emissions mapping system", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 24 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/meq.2013.08324baa.006

New carbon emissions mapping system

Article Type: News From: Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, Volume 24, Issue 2.

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new software system called “Hestia” capable of estimating greenhouse gas emissions on a city level scale, all the way down to roads and individual buildings. Until now, scientists have only been able to quantify carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions at a much broader level. The system works by combining information from public databases with traffic simulations and energy consumption models, to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional maps that clearly identify where, when and how carbon dioxide emissions are occurring. This allows information to be presented in a way that policy makers can utilize and the public can understand. The detail and accuracy of the system means that it is easier to identify where an investment in energy and greenhouse gas savings would have the greatest impact. So far, Hestia has been applied to the city of Indianapolis in Indiana, and work is ongoing for the cities of Los Angeles and Phoenix.