GHG emissions accounting. Recommendations for the methodology to follow in the zero emission neighbourhood definition

Abstract

The method for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in zero emission neighbourhoods (ZEN) requires clarification on a set of methodological aspects. This is due to differing approaches in established methods, such as EN 15978, NS 3720, and FutureBuilt ZERO, as well as methodological considerations when changing the focus from building to neighbourhood level. The methodological aspects covered in this ZEN Memo relate to time-weighting, technological development, primary (neighbourhood site) land use and land use change (LULUC), and mobility. This Memo presents the advantages and drawbacks of some existing methods found in the literature for the four methodological aspects. One method is recommended for each aspect: NS 3720 with temporal presentation of the results (for time-weighting), NS 3720 (for technology-weighting), Miljødirektoratet's Excel tool (for LULUC), and a combination of ZEN MOB KPI and NS 3720 (for mobility). Methodological aspects on how to estimate emissions from the use, generation and/or import/export of energy are covered in two other ZEN Memos and are summarised in Appendix of this Memo. GHG emission methodologies are under rapid development, which indicates that the comparisons and recommendations presented in this Memo might require a future revision.