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5-E Levers: A New Conceptual Model for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in Cities

Author

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  • Jordi Mazon

    (Department of Physics, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya—BarcelonaTECH, 08060 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
    UNESCO Chair on Sustainability, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya—BarcelonaTECH, 08222 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain)

Abstract

This article proposes a conceptual model for integrating and categorizing urban projects aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. This model comprises five interconnected levers: energy efficiency, renewable energy production and consumption, electrification of end use, circular economy, and CO 2 ensnaring (capture). Each lever encompasses projects and initiatives capable of directly or indirectly capturing urban CO 2 and accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These levers are interlinked, providing a road map for constructing a coherent and sustainable municipal model. Referred to as the “5-E levers”, this conceptual framework derives its name from the fact that all levers begin with the letter “E”, facilitating memorization and dissemination among policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Jordi Mazon, 2024. "5-E Levers: A New Conceptual Model for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in Cities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:4:p:1678-:d:1341146
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yujing Pan & Yifei Zhou, 2025. "Can Carbon Neutrality Promote Green and Sustainable Urban Development from an Environmental Sociology Perspective? Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-18, May.
    2. Anar E. Nurgozhina & Ignacio Menéndez Pidal & Nikolai M. Dronin & Sayagul Zhaparova & Aigul Kurmanbayeva & Zhanat Idrisheva & Almira Bukunova, 2025. "Scenario-Based Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Ecosystem-Based Mitigation Strategies in Kazakhstan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-40, September.

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