Subjects of the evaluation method

Climate change is a major global issue, with urban mobility playing a significant role in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This evaluation methodology presents a novel approach for measuring mobility‑related emissions with high spatial resolution, focusing on Valencia, Spain. The approach leverages an Origin‑Destination Matrix (ODM) to quantify CO₂, NOₓ and PM₁₀ emissions at a neighbourhood level. Urban areas face mounting challenges due to rising emissions from transportation. Traditional carbon footprint assessments typically cover entire cities, lacking the granularity required for targeted mitigation efforts. This methodology integrates geostatistics, GIS‑based route calculations, and emissions modelling using the European Union’s COPERT calculator. By analysing daily trip activity data, emissions are estimated per neighbourhood and potential areas for intervention identified, such as promoting walking, cycling, or improvements to public transportation.

The scope of the methodology

Valencia serves as an ideal test case due to its extensive transportation network and commitment to sustainable mobility. The city has implemented low‑emission zones and collaborated with European initiatives to enhance environmental strategies. The methodology operates at neighbourhood resolution, enabling policymakers to identify key emission hotspots, particularly in high‑traffic areas. It provides actionable insights to optimise urban mobility planning and supports alignment with existing climate action plans such as the “Plan de Acción por el Clima” (PACES).

The key elements of the methodology

1. Geostatistical integration – Combining ODM trip data with spatial analysis at neighbourhood level.
2. GIS‑based route calculations – Mapping trip routes and calculating distances for emission estimation.
3. COPERT emissions modelling – Applying the EU’s approved emissions calculator to estimate CO₂, NOₓ and PM₁₀ outputs.
4. Neighbourhood‑level aggregation – Producing emission estimates disaggregated by administrative area for targeted intervention planning.
5. Replicable framework – Designed to be adapted to other cities provided similar transportation and emissions datasets are available.

Examples of use and results

The methodology applied in Valencia provides high‑resolution emissions data, offering a precise assessment of urban mobility’s environmental impact. The study calculated a total of 1 279 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per day, alongside 3.38 tonnes of NOₓ and 0.14 tonnes of PM₁₀. The results align with existing climate action plans, validating the effectiveness of the approach.

By identifying specific neighbourhoods with high emissions, authorities can develop targeted interventions, such as traffic flow adjustments, improved public transport routes, or incentives for sustainable mobility options. The study also establishes a replicable framework that can be adapted to other cities, aiding global efforts in emissions reduction and climate change mitigation.

“The methodology is replicable in other cities, provided they have access to similar transportation and emissions datasets.”