In the heart of China’s bustling megacities, a silent revolution is brewing beneath the surface, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against carbon emissions. Jiajia Wang, a researcher from the Department of Real Estate and Construction at the University of Hong Kong, has shed light on the untapped potential of urban underground space (UUS) development in achieving carbon neutrality. Her findings, published in the journal ‘Engineering’ (机械工程), reveal a complex matrix of carbon emissions and mitigation opportunities hidden beneath our feet.
Wang’s study, which employs a streamlined life-cycle assessment method, delves into the intricate world of UUS, examining the carbon footprint of building underground spaces, metro systems, and geothermal energy sources. The results are eye-opening. While the construction of underground spaces in buildings is the largest carbon emitter within the entire UUS system, releasing a staggering 547.2 million metric tons in 2020, geothermal carbon sequestration, a significant element of the UUS system, provided an unexpected and impressive contribution, sequestering 170 million metric tons of carbon in the same year.
“This study shows that UUS addresses the lack of space for urban development and is a low-carbon method of urban construction,” Wang explains. “Therefore, developing low-carbon building technologies and improving the UUS development model is imperative to achieving a better low-carbon balance.”
The implications of Wang’s research are vast, particularly for the energy sector. As cities continue to expand and surface space becomes increasingly scarce, the development of UUS offers a viable solution to alleviate space constraints while mitigating carbon emissions. This could lead to a significant shift in urban planning and construction practices, with a greater emphasis on underground development and geothermal energy utilization.
Moreover, the findings highlight the potential for geothermal energy to play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration. As Wang notes, “Geothermal carbon sequestration provided an unexpected and impressive contribution, sequestering 170 Mt of carbon in 2020.” This could open up new avenues for investment and innovation in the energy sector, as companies look to capitalize on the growing demand for low-carbon solutions.
The commercial impacts of this research are far-reaching. For one, it could spur the development of new technologies and materials for low-carbon underground construction. Additionally, it could drive investment in geothermal energy projects, creating new opportunities for energy companies and investors alike. Furthermore, as cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urbanization and climate change, the insights gained from Wang’s study could inform policy decisions and urban planning strategies, shaping the future of sustainable urban development.
As we look to the future, the potential of UUS development in achieving carbon neutrality is clear. By embracing this innovative approach to urban construction, we can create more sustainable, resilient, and livable cities. The journey towards carbon neutrality is fraught with challenges, but with pioneering research like Wang’s, we are one step closer to a greener, more sustainable future.
