Public defence in Real Estate Economics, M.Sc. (Tech) Antti Kinnunen

Title of the thesis: Cities as carbon sinks - biogenic carbon sequestration and storage

Doctoral Student: Antti Kinnunen
Opponent: Prof. Anne Toppinen, University of Helsinki
Custos: Professor Seppo Junnila, Aalto University, School of Engineering, Department of Built Environment

Cities have a significant role in global carbon cycling. In addition to emissions, they contain substantial carbon sink capacity. 

Cities are hubs of human activity, concentrating the majority of global financial, energy, and material flows. As a result, their environmental impacts are significant – estimates suggest that the construction and real estate sectors alone account for approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing these emissions is critical in the fight against climate change. Additionally, recent discussions have highlighted the importance of enhancing the environmental benefits provided by cities, such as their carbon sink capacity, in line with the principles of restorative and regenerative urban planning. However, comprehensive research on this topic remains scarce. 

This dissertation investigates the potential to strengthen urban carbon sink capacity through nature-based solutions. It examines carbon sequestration and storage in urban green spaces and buildings, focusing on components that contribute to carbon sink of cities, including vegetation, soil, and nature-based building materials such as wood. It also explores the underlying factors and potential limitations associated with these strategies. 

The findings reveal that cities hold considerable potential to enhance their current carbon sink capacity. Key pathways to achieve this include preserving existing natural environments, prioritizing carbon-storing building materials, and adopting innovative technologies. However, current urban planning and construction practices inadequately support these approaches, often prioritizing emission reductions and economic returns. These priorities frequently result in diminished carbon sink capacity. The dissertation therefore calls for a shift in urban planning to better include the environmental benefits that cities can offer, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to designing cities that are both sustainable and full of life.

Keywords: carbon sequestration; carbon storage; regenerative built environment; climate regulation; urban planning

Thesis available for public display 10 days prior to the defence at: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/doc_public/eonly/riiputus/

Contact information of doctoral student: Antti Kinnunen, [email protected]

Doctoral theses of the School of Engineering: https://aaltodoc.aalto.fi/handle/123456789/49