A Smart GIS-Based Decision Support System for Carbon Reduction in Urban Development
Energia – Low Carbon Cities Platform
The project develops a comprehensive understanding of carbon emissions from the built environment and transport sectors in Qatar, with a primary focus on Doha and Lusail City. It establishes a city-scale emissions baseline and projects future growth scenarios aligned with national climate targets.
Methodology
The project applies internationally recognized carbon accounting methodologies, including IPCC Guidelines and the GHG Protocol, adapted to the Qatari context. A hybrid bottom-up and top-down modeling framework is developed to quantify emissions across building types and transport systems. A GIS-enabled database (PostGIS) integrates building geometry, energy benchmarks,
and GSAS performance indicators into a 2D/3D interactive visualization platform. Users can simulate energy performance through embedded energy calculators for single buildings, mixed-use developments, and neighborhoods. The platform enables real-time scenario testing, visualization of emissions intensity by color-coded mapping, and comparison of intervention strategies.
Outcomes
The project delivers the Energia smart carbon modeling platform, a fully integrated GIS-based decision support system capable of visualizing and forecasting CO2 emissions at building, district, and city scales. The system supports GSAS implementation across Lusail City, which achieved a 4-Star GSAS District Certification and mandates GSAS compliance for all buildings, representing one of the largest green building deployment programs globally.
Forecast modeling demonstrates significant reductions in total CO2 emissions under GSAS minimum standards compared to 2007 and 2010 baselines.
