It is still commonly believed that dense urban form with better public transportation is environmentally preferable option for green cities. However, with the current carbon neutrality goals, the lower density areas may actually offer better solutions for solving the puzzle. Similarly, the currently popular concept of green buildings seems to fall short of its promise. The long life cycle of building assets does not fit well together with the urgency of climate actions and carbon neutrality commitment. This presentation shows first why the less dense urban areas have better adapted to climate mitigation targets in cities. The presentation also discusses the underlying benefits provided by lower density, when aiming at carbon neutrality instead of low carbon areas. Second, the presentation demonstrates how current green building concepts fail to deliver carbon neutrality. The concepts have poorly understood the timing issue of the original carbon spike of new construction. Finally, the presentation discusses viable pathways for carbon neutral urban living.

PLENARY: Carbon neutral urban form and the challenge of green construction