Net zero carbon park planning framework: Methodology, application, and economic feasibility analysis

As concentrated areas of population and industry, various types of parks, are characterized by high energy consumption and significant carbon emissions. Against the backdrop of global efforts to combat climate change and China's carbon neutrality goal, exploring the transition to zero-carbon parks is an urgent necessity. This study proposes a comprehensive framework and steps for achieving net-zero carbon emissions in parks. The framework is applied in a comprehensive park in Tianjin, China, named Da Qiuzhuang Park (DQZ-P). Three planning methods for the park are adopted, with detailed analyses of each method's energy demand and supply inventory, carbon emissions, and negative emission strategies. Furthermore, the effects of carbon reduction and economic evaluations of these plans are discussed. The results indicate that the established zero-carbon park framework can achieve the carbon neutrality target and net-zero carbon emissions during the operational phase of the case study park while also generating economic benefits. This study provides valuable references for the zero-carbon transition of various types of parks and contributes to promoting sustainable development in related fields.