7–11 Jul 2025
Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul
Europe/Brussels timezone

Optimizing Carbon-Neutral Campus Renewal: A Case Study of Xi’an East Station Hub Core Area

Not scheduled
20m
Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul

Oral Track 05 | ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE

Speaker

Prof. Ting Yang (Tongji University)

Description

The dual challenges of climate change and environmental degradation place immense pressure on urban environments, making it critical to integrate carbon-neutral strategies into the early stages of planning and design. This study focuses on campus renewal, using the Xi’an East Station Hub Core Area as a pilot to explore innovative approaches for low-carbon, climate-resilient urban design. By leveraging intelligent evaluation platforms, nature-based solutions, and participatory governance structures, this research aims to establish scalable pathways for sustainable urban renewal.

Through the Urban Planning and Design Carbon Neutrality Intelligent Evaluation Platform, real-time assessments of carbon emissions and sinks were conducted, revealing a substantial gap of 100,000 tons CO₂ to achieve carbon neutrality. This shortfall was addressed through a multi-faceted approach combining renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and ground-source heat pumps, with enhanced green infrastructure and industrial transformation. For example, three-dimensional greening and ecological corridors added 4,100 tons of carbon absorption, while converting 38% of high-density commercial areas into biopharmaceutical clusters reduced emissions by 30,000 tons. These interventions demonstrate how intelligent planning can dynamically balance carbon sources and sinks.

This case study contributes to the broader theoretical understanding of carbon-neutral urban renewal by situating campus-focused solutions within the context of urban ecological transformation. It underscores the importance of aligning technological innovation with participatory governance to address the complexity of urban climate challenges. By integrating advanced data-driven methodologies and human-machine collaboration, this research provides a replicable framework for designing inclusive and resilient campuses.

This research addresses critical themes of climate mitigation, adaptation, and environmental justice. It highlights the role of campuses as experimental spaces for testing innovative planning strategies, emphasizing renewable energy integration, ecosystem restoration, and equitable decision-making. The study also contributes to governance discussions by showcasing how multi-stakeholder collaboration and dynamic planning processes can support long-term sustainability goals.

In conclusion, the Xi’an East Station Hub Core Area exemplifies how campuses can lead the way in addressing global environmental challenges. By combining cutting-edge technology with inclusive urban strategies, this research offers actionable insights for policymakers and planners aiming to create low-carbon, climate-resilient futures.

Keywords Carbon Neutrality; Campus Renewal; Green Infrastructure; Climate-Resilient Planning
Best Congress Paper Award Yes

Primary author

Prof. Ting Yang (Tongji University)

Co-author

Prof. Antti Ahlava (Aalto University)

Presentation materials

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