Accounting the life cycle carbon footprint for TOD project: An example from the China SH TOD project

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) has emerged as a critical strategy for advancing the green transformation of China’s low-carbon cities. Conducting carbon footprint research on TOD from a whole life cycle perspective holds profound significance for achieving the dual carbon goals. This study constructs five carbon footprint calculation models based on life cycle assessment theory. Setting four residential travel scenario assumptions thoroughly examines the whole life cycle carbon emissions of China’s SH·TOD project and the carbon reduction achieved through transportation during the operation phase. Results indicate that total carbon emissions in the study area amount to 2.9902 million tons. Considering solely the carbon reduction effect from shifts in resident travel modes under the TOD model, the total carbon reduction reaches 203,600 tons, with a carbon reduction effectiveness evaluation index of 6.81%. Compared to the continuous increase in carbon footprint observed after the operation of traditional residential and commercial projects, the carbon reduction effect is notably significant. Furthermore, the study identified key high-emission stages within the lifecycle through model-based calculations and proposed targeted mitigation strategies. These findings provide recommendations for energy conservation, carbon reduction, and sustainable development in TOD projects. • Constructed a carbon footprint accounting model for the whole life cycle • Proposed a calculation method for traffic carbon emission reduction • Proposed an energy carbon emission calculation model for operation phase • Considered carbon emissions from heating during the operation phase