Characterizing the metabolic pattern of urban systems using MuSIASEM: The case of Barcelona

Laura Pérez-Sánchez,Mario Giampietro,Raúl Velasco-Fernández,Maddalena Ripa

doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2018.09.028

Abstract

The extreme degree of openness of contemporary urban systems with regard to both economy and population creates a serious challenge for the study of urban energy metabolism. A novel tool based on Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) is proposed to overcome these challenges. It consists of an end-use matrix, a coherent multi-level integrated characterization of the uses of different forms of energy carriers (electricity, heat, fuels) for the various tasks performed in the city, including private and public mobility, tourism, commercial and residential activities. The end-use matrix integrates quantitative data referring to different dimensions (i.e. energy, human activity, land use, value added) and hierarchical (economic sectors and functional elements at lower levels) and spatial scales (i.e. individual buildings, neighborhoods, and the city as a whole). The end-use matrix provides information on both extensive (flows) and intensive variables (flow/fund ratios or benchmarks). Benchmarks are important for policy-making and allow a meaningful comparison of energy performance across hierarchical levels within the urban system, and among different urban systems. The approach is illustrated for Barcelona, a global city characterized by an important service sector.

Highlights

Since ancient times cities have been the center of the economy and power of nations (Braudel, 1979)
The aim of the work is to show that, despite the challenges posed by the extreme degree of openness of urban systems, it is possible to: (i) generate a coherent multi-level integrated characterization of the uses of different forms of energy carriers for the various tasks performed in the city, and (ii) integrate quantitative data referring to different dimensions and hierarchical/spatial scales
Proper accounting of urban energy metabolism is of paramount importance for policy making

Summary

Introduction

Since ancient times cities have been the center of the economy and power of nations (Braudel, 1979). They specialize in consuming goods and services while concentrating the command and control over the rest of the territory, shaping and guiding the process of economic development (Jacobs, 1984). Recent globalization has reshaped cities worldwide by generating an international division of labor. The extreme degree of openness of contemporary urban systems with regard to both economy and population creates a serious challenge for the study of urban energy metabolism and the development of local energy and climate policies: Who is consuming energy in the city to do what?

Objectives

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Conclusion