Low carbon transition at the township level: feasibility study of environmental pollutants and sustainable energy planning

This paper addresses the role of low carbon transition in town planning. This study aims to fill a major research gap by exploring the topic of low carbon planning at the township level. This study is conducted through case study research in China. This study addresses two main stages of ‘target plan’ and ‘pre-masterplan’, which then feeds into a feasibility study comprised of five steps: (1) indicative analysis of CO₂ emissions; (2) computational assessment of pollution dispersion; (3) development of a feasible phasing plan for low-carbon development implementation; (4) proposal for low carbon indicator system at the township level; and (5) detailed low carbon development plan. The findings include a dual carbon management plan and a breakdown of strategies, which are novel at the township level. The results contribute to the development of low-carbon town planning with the consideration of environmental pollutants and sustainable energy planning at the township level.