Methodology for estimating indirect emissions from Scope 3 and mitigation proposals applied in the neighborhood of Benicalap, Valencia (Spain)

Abstract

Cities account for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while occupying just 3% of the Earth's surface, positioning them as critical actors in climate crisis and a key element for decarbonization strategies. Yet, Scope 3 emissionsremain poorly quantified and under-addressed in urban planning. To fill this gap, this study develops a novel, scalable methodology for accounting and mitigating Scope 3 emissions at the neighborhood level, offering granular insights for localized decarbonization strategies. Unlike prior approaches, this research fills the methodological void by integrating a state-of-the-art review of Scope 3 accounting methods with an assessment of emission factors to ensure accuracy and consistency. A key innovation is the introduction of sector-specific reduction ranges based on sensitivity analyses and robust indicators, enabling planners to evaluate mitigation strategies under diverse scenarios. The methodology is applied to the Benicalap neighborhood in Valencia, Spain, delivering a baseline CO₂ inventory, evaluating mitigation measures, and presenting an implementation roadmap. Results highlight the food and beverage sector as the dominant contributor to Scope 3 emissions (36.6%), followed by clothing and transport (14% each), automobiles (11%), construction (6%), and waste (5.5%). Proposed measures demonstrate the potential to reduce emissions by 17% by 2035, equivalent to 21,785 tons of CO₂ annually. The urgency of addressing Scope 3 emissions underscores the novelty and impact of this work. This work advances urban emission reduction planning by addressing the neglect of Scope 3 emissions in existing frameworks. Its scalability and adaptability allow replication across other neighborhoods and cities, making it a pioneering tool for localized climate action.