Citywide Energy-Related CO2 Emissions and Sustainability Assessment of the Development of Low-Carbon Policy in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

Cities are one of the key contributors to the environment and sustainability. This study aims to quantify citywide energy-related CO2 emissions and assess the sustainability feasibility of implementing climate change mitigation policies in Chiang Mai, Thailand. By employing the GPC method, it was found that the average energy-related CO2 emission in Chiang Mai from 2015 to 2019 was 2,146,060 tCO2eq. Residences, industries (i.e., food preservation industries), and commercial and governmental buildings were the top three energy consumption-related GHG emitters. According to the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), in terms of mitigation measures, LED lighting presented the highest score (0.380), followed by improving air conditioning efficiency (0.278), and the use of energy-efficient appliances (0.203). Energy-efficient technologies would be more feasible than the development of renewable energy technologies to lower CO2 emissions. In terms of sustainability, political, technical, and economic feasibility criteria presented the highest AHP score (0.789), followed by human and social dimensions criteria (0.129), and environmental performance criteria (0.073). Policy possibility had the highest AHP score, while direct contribution to climate benefits as GHG reduction presented the lowest score. The integration of climate mitigation opportunities into national policies, the green industry scheme, and promoting residents’ self-determined motivation are urgently recommended.

Factors Influencing Consumer’s Adoption of Renewable Energy

“…Thermal energy forms the other form of clean energy that is most utilized in Thailand. While much of the thermal energy is generated from solar energy, the country indicates great potential in harnessing thermal energy from biomass [12,25]. Moreover, Thailand's strong automobile industry provides an increased potential for energy.…”

“…From this research, the aspects of environmental concern that influence adoption of renewable energy include anxiety about pollution and associated environmental problems, as well as the enhancement of the environment derived from using renewable energy. The literature [20,23,25] identified the importance of tackling environmental pollution by turning to renewable energy sources, which necessitated the PDP of Thailand increasing its renewable energy consumption to 30% by 2036. A synergy of all stakeholders will make this achievable as Thailand joins other nations in the gradual phasing out of the use of fossil fuel because of environmental concerns.…”

City-wide greenhouse gas emissions of communities nearby the world heritage site of Ayutthaya, Thailand

“…Further, the impacts of tourism activities and GHG emissions associated with solid waste generation should be urgently explored. Moreover, human and social sustainability of all related environmental and climate change mitigation project should be systematically investigated 32 .…”

Green Infrastructure Investment Opportunities:

“…301 In Chiang Mai city, for example, the top three emitters from energy consumption in 2015 came from buildings in the residential, industrial, commercial, and government sectors. 302 As energy demand growth in Thailand is still largely met with oil and natural gas, retrofitting buildings, increasing energy efficiencies, and ensuring that newly constructed buildings are green will be important to reduce GHGs and increase cost saving.…”