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Carbon-Neutral City Transformation with Digitization: Guidelines from International Standardization

Author

Listed:
  • Christos Ziozias

    (Department of Business Administration, University of Thessaly, Geopolis Campus, Larissa Ringroad, 41500 Larissa, Greece)

  • Elli Kontogianni

    (Department of Business Administration, University of Thessaly, Geopolis Campus, Larissa Ringroad, 41500 Larissa, Greece)

  • Leonidas Anthopoulos

    (Department of Business Administration, University of Thessaly, Geopolis Campus, Larissa Ringroad, 41500 Larissa, Greece)

Abstract

Establishing carbon neutrality (or Net Zero) in cities appears to be an ambitious challenge, which drives urban transformation efforts around the world to enhance people-centric living. Cities launch corresponding strategies focusing mainly on the United Nations 2030 goals to form their climate-neutral future. This paper provides practical guidance on city digital transformation to achieve carbon Net Zero. These guidelines illustrate actionable recommendations to reduce their carbon footprint using digital technologies. Following a multi-method research approach, findings from a bibliometric literature and a standards’ gap analysis were combined with practical evidence and circulated with focus group experts to conclude with these guidelines, which are the foundation for further standardization. The outcomes provide concrete guidelines to policymakers, planners, and other stakeholders for city digital transformation to establish carbon neutrality, via emphasizing the need for digital technologies to enhance efficiency in several areas and via leveraging green Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for city economic growth, while also transforming citizen behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Christos Ziozias & Elli Kontogianni & Leonidas Anthopoulos, 2023. "Carbon-Neutral City Transformation with Digitization: Guidelines from International Standardization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:15:p:5814-:d:1210987
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Liu, Yingying & Chen, Sha & Jiang, Kejun & Kaghembega, Wendkuuni Steve-Harold, 2022. "The gaps and pathways to carbon neutrality for different type cities in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PA).
    2. Shimoda, Yoshiyuki & Yamaguchi, Yohei & Iwafune, Yumiko & Hidaka, Kazuyoshi & Meier, Alan & Yagita, Yoshie & Kawamoto, Hisaki & Nishikiori, Soichi, 2020. "Energy demand science for a decarbonized society in the context of the residential sector," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
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