Estimating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Across Urban Landscapes

Arizona State University researchers have developed a new software system capable of estimating greenhouse gas emissions across entire urban landscapes, all the way down to roads and individual buildings. Until now, scientists quantified carbon dioxide emissions at a much broader level. Dubbed "Hestia" after the Greek goddess of the hearth and home, the software combines extensive public database data-mining with traffic simulation and building-by-building energy-consumption modeling. Its high-resolution maps clearly identify carbon dioxide emission sources in a way that policymakers can utilize and the public can understand.