Is a Central European city without carbon dioxide emissions feasible?; by analysing the substance flow of carbon and the carbon dioxide emissions in Vienna

Abstract

In order to answer the question whether a Central European city without carbon dioxide emission is feasible this study attempts to determine the quantities of Carbon Dioxide emissions according to the four activities for a Central European city on the example of the City of Vienna. Furthermore, this study assesses how carbon dioxide emissions can be minimized by substituting or compensating the application of best available technologies. Two different scenarios are investigated for Vienna: The carbon cycle in 1991 as well as the most important carbon flows and carbon dioxide emissions in 2008 are determined with the aid of substance flow analysis and the software STAN. The most important material flows, processes, and stocks within the investigated systems are identified and quantified using statistical data, calculations and assumptions published elsewhere. However, due to the large uncertainties of data and, thereof in part lack of methodology, too, the results have to be interpreted with caution.