Guidelines for Carbon Accounting and Emission Reduction in the Urban Water Sector

Abstract

China has made its sustainable development aims clear: To reach carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Measuring and reducing carbon emissions in the urban water sector is a major step towards achieving these goals, although these are complex processes in practice. The urban water sector supports all of daily life for residents in towns and cities, and intersects with many other areas of the national economy, which makes accurate and thorough monitoring difficult. Guidelines for Carbon Accounting and Emission Reduction in the Urban Water Sector establishes a standardized carbon emissions accounting system for the global urban water sector, which supports existing guidance on carbon peaking and neutrality. The sector is divided into four subsectors: water supply, wastewater management, water reclamation, and stormwater management. Through 10 comprehensive chapters, carbon emitting activities for each subsector are explained, and the general principles of carbon accounting in those sectors are clarified. In addition, key methodologies of data acquisition and the strategies and actions that can help to achieve carbon reduction are summarized. This is essential reading for any industry professional working in the urban water sector, especially those formulating and implementing carbon reduction plans. In addition, it will be of great value to researchers and students exploring the sustainability of the urban water sector, particularly in relation to carbon accounting.