A Systematic Design Framework for Zero Carbon Campuses: Investigating the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Fahua Campus Case

Abstract

Since the global zero carbon goal was proposed, most higher education institutions around the world are still in the process of transitioning towards carbon neutrality. However, there is still a research gap in the systematic design strategy for a zero carbon campus. This study adopts a qualitative literature analysis approach to establish a theoretical framework for a zero carbon campus design. The framework hierarchically outlines the One Top-Down vision of carbon neutrality, two complementary paths of carbon emission reduction and carbon sink, specific implementation strategies based on the coupling of the social, technological, and ecological dimensions, as well as the establishment of a carbon-neutral smart services platform. Subsequently, a case study was conducted at the Fahua campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, guided by this theoretical framework. This study not only completed the modeling and visualization of the carbon-neutral systematic design of the campus but also attempted to conceive of people-centered services under the zero carbon commitment and emphasized the critical role of university campus culture and historical connotations in the carbon-upgrading process. The results showed that the establishment of this theoretical framework can inspire innovative localized carbon-neutral solutions for campus, empower the replicability of advanced zero carbon campuses, and more effectively promote the carbon neutrality development of communities and cities.