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Estimation of Carbon Density in Different Urban Green Spaces: Taking the Beijing Main District as an Example

Author

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  • Yilun Cao

    (School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210018, China)

  • Xinwei He

    (The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK)

  • Chang Wang

    (School of Landscape Architecture, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100091, China)

  • Yuhao Fang

    (School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210018, China)

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS) are crucial urban elements that serve as direct carbon sequestration and contribute to indirect carbon emission reduction. Accurately calculating the carbon density of urban green spaces allows for scientific planning and design, thereby advancing efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality. This study has developed a workflow for estimating carbon density in urban green spaces through point cloud measurements and model simulations, using the UGS in the Beijing Main District as a case study. From the sample level, a calculation methodology was constructed based on the point cloud technology-model simulation method, which can obtain the carbon density at the plant level and the sample level. At the UGS level, remote sensing inversion was utilized to map the carbon density of urban green spaces. Ultimately, the research calculated and compared carbon density at different scales, including the carbon density of individual plants, the carbon density of sample plots, and the carbon density of various types of urban green spaces. It was found that the carbon density of trees in UGS was 9.87 kg/m 2 , while those of shrubs and herbaceous plants were 13.20 kg/m 2 and 0.11 kg/m 2 . In urban green spaces, the carbon densities of the tree and herb layers were slightly lower than those in natural ecosystems, whereas the carbon density of the shrub layer was significantly higher. This highlights the substantial potential and value of shrubs in carbon sequestration and carbon storage. The average carbon density of all UGS types was 9.76 kg/m 2 , with the following descending order: Neighborhood Parks (10.31 kg/m 2 ) > Attached Green Spaces (7.22 kg/m 2 ) > Regional Parks (5.75 kg/m 2 ). Based on these findings, the study proposed optimization strategies for different UGS types, focusing on high carbon-density plant community optimization. The goal is to provide a theoretical foundation for carbon storage calculations and plant arrangements in future UGS construction.

Suggested Citation

  • Yilun Cao & Xinwei He & Chang Wang & Yuhao Fang, 2025. "Estimation of Carbon Density in Different Urban Green Spaces: Taking the Beijing Main District as an Example," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-31, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:270-:d:1578755
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shuaijun Yue & Guangxing Ji & Weiqiang Chen & Junchang Huang & Yulong Guo & Mingyue Cheng, 2023. "Spatial and Temporal Variability Characteristics of Future Carbon Stocks in Anhui Province under Different SSP Scenarios Based on PLUS and InVEST Models," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Qiao, Renlu & Liu, Xiaochang & Gao, Shuo & Liang, Diling & GesangYangji, Gesang & Xia, Li & Zhou, Shiqi & Ao, Xiang & Jiang, Qingrui & Wu, Zhiqiang, 2024. "Industrialization, urbanization, and innovation: Nonlinear drivers of carbon emissions in Chinese cities," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 358(C).
    3. Tol, Richard S. J., 2005. "The marginal damage costs of carbon dioxide emissions: an assessment of the uncertainties," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(16), pages 2064-2074, November.
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