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Walkability/New construction: Difference between revisions
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If [[walkability]] | If [[walkability]] is achieved by building brand-new neighborhoods, how long would it take to "break even" considering the carbon emissions of the construction & materials? | ||
Simplified model | ==Simplified model== | ||
* consider the carbon footprint of making a new building, per person living there. | * consider the carbon footprint of making a new building, per person living there. | ||
* assume a full extreme lifestyle change: people go from "USA average" amount of driving, to zero driving. | * assume a full extreme lifestyle change: people go from "USA average" amount of driving, to zero driving. | ||
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</tab> | </tab> | ||
The real-life figure might be higher because... | The real-life figure might be higher, because... | ||
* can't really expect a full change to ''zero'' driving, just a lot less than before | * can't really expect a full change to ''zero'' driving, just a lot less than before | ||
* the calculation didn't include interior furnishings of the building, as far as I know | * the calculation didn't include interior furnishings of the building, as far as I know | ||
The real-life figure might be lower, because... | |||
* the footprint of heating the new place would probably be lower than the old place | * the footprint of heating the new place{{x|i.e. an apartment or condo in a multi-unit residential building}} would probably be lower than the old place{{x|i.e. a single-detached suburban home}} | ||
* less construction in other ways (especially road maintenance) | |||
In any case, the carbon payoff of new construction could be worth it if there's no better option for [[Walkability/Existing housing]]. | In any case, the carbon payoff of new construction could be worth it if there's no better option for [[Walkability/Existing housing]]. | ||
<!-- TALK: should i try to find a different case study that deals with per capita (or total emissions and total number of residents) instead of guesstimating floor space per person --> | <!-- TALK: should i try to find a different case study that deals with per capita (or total emissions and total number of residents) instead of guesstimating floor space per person --> | ||