THESE POOLS ARE THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF A CARBON ZERO ECONOMY
The chart above outlines the value pools identified by McKinsey in a carbon zero economy. These value pools serve as foundational building blocks for creating sustainable urban environments in the future.
A Potential Carbon Zero Economy versus existing economies
The carbon-zero economy is expected to be eight times larger than NYC's current economy. Carbon Zero City aims to position NYC as a major hub for urban carbon zero activities, capturing a significant share of this expansive market.
Source of Atmospheric CO2: Transportation is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for about 24% of global CO2 emissions. This includes emissions from various modes such as road, rail, air, and marine transportation. The sector's emissions are also expected to grow, posing a major challenge to reducing global greenhouse emissions in line with international climate targets like the Paris Agreement (sources: Our World in Data, World Resources Institute).
Operational Exigency: As sea levels rise and storms become more intense, cities need to have operational options that are resilient and adaptable, including transportation systems that can function effectively above ground.
Sub-Sectors |
---|
Automobiles |
Public Transit |
Bikes and Non-Motorized Transport |
Ferries and Maritime Transport |
Smart Traffic Management Systems |
Tesla Pioneers in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage solutions, Tesla is reducing CO2 emissions and promoting energy independence from fossil fuels. |
Uber Invests in sustainable urban mobility with electric and autonomous vehicles, aiming to lower urban emissions and enhance efficient transportation. |
BYD Specializes in electric buses and vehicles, significantly reducing urban transit emissions and offering robust alternatives. |
Volvo Committed to producing only electric vehicles by 2030, Volvo is reducing emissions and designing vehicles to withstand new climate norms. |
Arrival Focuses on electric transport solutions like buses and vans designed for urban environments, contributing to CO2 reduction. |
Rivian Designs electric trucks and SUVs suited for both urban and off-road environments, supporting CO2 reduction. Other notable companies include Fernhay, EAV, and Civilized Cycles. |
Building innovation is crucial for addressing the climate crisis as buildings account for significant urban energy use and emissions. Achieving carbon neutrality involves energy-efficient designs, smart technologies, and integrating renewable energy sources. The global green building materials market was valued at $238 billion in 2019.
Building Technologies |
---|
Energy-Efficient Design |
Smart Building Technologies |
Renewable Energy Integration |
Sustainable Materials |
Energy Management Systems |
Retrofit Solutions |
Sustainable Design and Engineering |
High Efficiency Equipment |
Building Operations |
Johnson Controls Provides building automation and efficiency solutions to reduce energy consumption and improve building performance. |
Siemens Offers smart building technologies and infrastructure solutions, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. |
Lennar Corporation Engages in sustainable housing development, incorporating energy-efficient designs and materials. |
Schneider Electric Specializes in energy management and automation solutions aimed at enhancing sustainability in buildings and industrial processes. |
Honeywell Develops technologies for energy efficiency and sustainable building solutions, including smart thermostats and HVAC systems. |
NextEra Energy A leader in renewable energy generation, focusing on wind and solar power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. |
The importance and potential of power innovation in cities to address climate change are paramount. As urban populations continue to grow, cities face increasing challenges related to energy consumption and carbon emissions. Power innovation, encompassing advancements in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric systems, offers a path toward reducing urban carbon footprints and promoting sustainability. These technologies not only help cities reduce their reliance on fossil fuels but also foster greater energy security and resilience against power outages and other disruptions caused by extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Moreover, the integration of smart grid technologies and energy storage solutions can enhance the efficiency of urban energy systems, allowing for better demand management and distribution of renewable energy. By investing in power innovation, cities can lead in the transition to a low-carbon future, improve local air quality, and set a sustainable example for urban development worldwide. This shift is crucial not just for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also for creating green jobs and promoting economic growth within a sustainable framework.
Power Generation and Systems |
---|
Renewable Power Generation |
Grid Modernization/Efficiency |
Flexibility, Storage |
Power Systems and Analytics |
Decommissioning, Thermal Conversion |
NextEra Energy Engages in renewable energy generation, including wind and solar power, to reduce carbon emissions. |
Enel Group Focuses on renewable energy and smart grids to enhance the sustainability of the power sector. |
GE Renewable Energy Provides wind, solar, and hydro energy solutions to support the transition to renewable energy. |
Vestas Manufactures wind turbines and provides renewable energy solutions to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. |
First Solar Offers solar energy solutions, including the manufacturing of solar panels and development of solar power plants. |
Orsted Focuses on offshore wind energy development and providing renewable energy solutions. |
Challenges such as rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events demand sustainable water management solutions in NYC. Integrating green infrastructure like bioswales and green roofs can mitigate stormwater runoff, curb urban heat, and enhance air quality. Emphasizing water innovation, NYC aims to bolster its resilience, securing a dependable water supply for its vibrant population and economy amid shifting environmental conditions.
Water Management Technologies |
---|
Advanced Treatment |
Rainwater Harvesting |
Water Recycling |
Smart Water Systems |
Desalination |
Leak Detection |
Xylem Inc. Provides water technology and innovative solutions for water and wastewater management to enhance sustainability. |
Veolia Specializes in water management and recycling services to promote efficient water use and reduce environmental impact. |
Pentair Develops sustainable water treatment and management systems to improve water efficiency. |
GE Water & Process Technologies Offers water treatment solutions and services to optimize water use and improve efficiency. |
Suez Water Technologies & Solutions Provides sustainable water management solutions to address water scarcity and improve water quality. |
Kurita Water Industries Specializes in water treatment and environmental solutions to promote sustainable water use. |
Sustainable consumer products are essential for reducing environmental impact. They minimize waste, conserve resources, and encourage eco-friendly habits. As global demand grows, these products help combat climate change and promote a healthier planet.
Sustainable Living Products |
---|
Energy-Efficient Appliances |
Sustainable Materials |
Zero-Waste Packaging |
Refillable and Reusable Products |
Smart Home Technology |
Local and Sustainable Food Products |
Sustainable Fashion |
Patagonia Utilizes recycled materials to lessen resource use. |
Philips Develops energy-efficient lighting to cut down on energy use. |
Nest (Google) Optimizes home energy efficiency with smart technology. |
Lush Emphasizes zero-waste packaging and sustainable ingredients. |
Hydro Flask Promotes sustainable hydration with refillable bottles. |
Blueland Innovates in household cleaning with minimal plastic waste. |
Loop Encourages a circular economy through reusable packaging. |
By growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in controlled environments, vertical farming maximizes space use and can drastically reduce water usage and transportation costs. This method not only brings fresh produce closer to urban consumers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transport but also provides cities with a resilient food system less dependent on external food supply chains.
Moreover, urban agriculture that is outside can help in greening urban areas, improving air quality, and increasing biodiversity, contributing positively to the urban microclimate.
Urban Agriculture Technologies |
---|
Vertical Farming |
Hydroponics |
Aquaponics |
Rooftop Gardens |
Community Gardens |
Indoor Farming |
Bayer Crop Science Develops sustainable agriculture and crop protection solutions to enhance food security and reduce environmental impact. |
John Deere Provides precision agriculture technology to improve farming efficiency and sustainability. |
Syngenta Focuses on sustainable farming practices and crop solutions to promote agricultural sustainability. |
CNH Industrial Offers agricultural equipment and solutions to improve farming efficiency and reduce environmental impact. |
Corteva Agriscience Specializes in agricultural innovations to promote sustainable farming and improve crop yields. |
AGCO Corporation Develops agricultural equipment and technologies to enhance farming productivity and sustainability. |
BrightFarms Uses hydroponic farming techniques to produce fresh, local produce with minimal environmental impact. |
Gotham Greens Operates rooftop greenhouses to provide locally grown produce, reducing food miles and promoting sustainability. |
Beyond Meat Develops plant-based food products to reduce the environmental impact of meat production and consumption. |
The transition to cleaner fuels represents a pivotal shift in global energy practices, aimed at reducing environmental impact and mitigating climate change. This movement involves phasing out fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas in favor of renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Innovations in technology have also made biofuels and hydrogen viable alternatives, offering cleaner combustion processes and fewer emissions.
Additionally, the adoption of electric vehicles and the enhancement of battery storage capacities are crucial components of this transition. Governments and private sectors worldwide are increasingly investing in these technologies, driven by both environmental goals and the economic potential of new energy markets. This transition not only helps in cutting down carbon footprints but also in fostering sustainable development and energy security for the future.
Shell Investing in renewable energy and carbon offset initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. |
BP Transitioning to low-carbon energy sources and investing in renewable energy projects to reduce environmental impact. |
ExxonMobil Engages in research and development of carbon capture and storage technologies to mitigate carbon emissions. |
Chevron Investing in renewable energy and developing carbon capture and storage solutions to reduce carbon footprint. |
TotalEnergies Focuses on renewable energy projects and carbon offset initiatives to promote sustainability in the energy sector. |
Eni Committed to transitioning to renewable energy and developing carbon capture technologies to reduce carbon emissions. |
The hydrogen industry is pivotal in tackling climate change, poised to grow to $201.8 billion by 2025. It offers a zero-emission solution for transportation and industry, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Hydrogen also stabilizes power grids by storing excess renewable energy, accelerating the shift to a low-carbon economy. With substantial investments and supportive policies, hydrogen is key to achieving global climate targets and fostering economic growth.
Plug Power Develops hydrogen fuel cell solutions for transportation and industrial uses, promoting the adoption of clean hydrogen energy. |
Ballard Power Systems Specializes in hydrogen fuel cells for buses, trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in transportation. |
Air Liquide Engages in hydrogen production, storage, and distribution to support the growth of the hydrogen economy and promote clean energy solutions. |
Linde Provides hydrogen production and distribution solutions to support the transition to a hydrogen-based energy system. |
ITM Power Develops electrolyzers for hydrogen production using renewable energy sources, promoting the use of green hydrogen. |
Nikola Corporation Designs hydrogen fuel cell trucks and infrastructure to support the adoption of hydrogen-powered transportation. |
Transitioning to zero-waste models through advanced recycling technologies, waste-to-energy plants, and sustainable materials management can significantly reduce urban emissions. Methane capture from organic waste for use as a renewable energy source is another effective strategy.
Waste Management Technologies |
---|
Advanced Recycling Technologies |
Waste-to-Energy Plants |
Sustainable Materials Management |
Methane Capture |
Composting |
E-Waste Management |
Enablers of Materials Reuse |
Industrial and Mature Materials Processing |
Materials Processing Innovation |
Waste Management Provides comprehensive waste management services and recycling solutions to promote sustainability and reduce landfill use. |
Republic Services Offers recycling and waste disposal solutions to minimize environmental impact and promote a circular economy. |
Covanta Specializes in waste-to-energy solutions, converting waste into renewable energy and reducing landfill use. |
Suez Provides waste management and recycling services to support the transition to a circular economy and reduce environmental impact. |
Veolia Offers comprehensive waste management solutions, including recycling and waste-to-energy services, to promote sustainability. |
Biffa Provides waste management and recycling services to reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy. |
Reducing emissions in the industrial sector through energy efficiency, cleaner production processes, and the adoption of renewable energy. Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies also play a critical role in mitigating industrial emissions. Sub-segments:
Industrial Sectors |
---|
Steel |
Aluminum |
Cement |
Mining |
Chemical |
3M Develops sustainable products and manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. |
Honeywell Provides energy efficiency and smart building solutions to enhance industrial sustainability. |
Schneider Electric Specializes in energy management and automation solutions to improve industrial efficiency and sustainability. |
General Electric Engages in the development of cleaner production processes and renewable energy technologies to reduce industrial emissions. |
ABB Offers automation and electrification solutions to improve industrial energy efficiency and reduce emissions. |
Siemens Provides industrial automation and digitalization solutions to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the industrial sector. |
Carbon innovation is vital for cities like NYC to tackle climate change and aim for carbon neutrality. Urban centers, dense with people and heavy on industry and transport, are major CO2 emitters. Innovations like direct air capture (DAC) and carbon utilization technologies are transforming our ability to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, significantly lowering urban carbon footprints, enhancing air quality, and boosting public health. The market for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is booming, expected to hit $15 billion by 2027, fueled by regulatory demands, technological progress, and the pressing need to address climate effects. This rapid growth underscores the role of carbon innovation as a cornerstone in sustainable urban development and climate mitigation strategies.
Carbon Management Technologies |
---|
Direct Air Capture (DAC) |
Carbon Utilization |
Natural Carbon Sinks |
CarbonCure Technologies Reduces carbon emissions in concrete production by incorporating CO2 into the manufacturing process. |
Climeworks Specializes in direct air capture technology to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and contribute to carbon neutrality. |
Schneider Electric Provides energy management and sustainability services to enhance carbon efficiency and reduce emissions. |
Carbon Clean Solutions Develops carbon capture technologies to reduce industrial CO2 emissions and promote sustainability. |
Global Thermostat Specializes in direct air capture technologies to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and support climate change mitigation. |
Carbon Engineering Focuses on developing direct air capture and carbon utilization technologies to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels. |
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