Net-Zero Climate Emissions Districts: Potentials and Constraints for Social Housing in Milan

Net-zero climate districts are gaining wide attention at the European and international levels. Urban regeneration competitions have been launched recently to stimulate development; nevertheless, literature does not yet provide a shared scope definition (i.e., product system). Using process-based life cycle assessment method, authors evaluate profile of new district in Milan (14 buildings with 36,000 m2 gross surface area total) aiming become first net-zero social housing project Italy. The show results section how neutrality is achieved on part real estate operator by varying scope. most conservative scenario (including all emission sources considered analysis) indicates that target reached only purchasing voluntary carbon credits. also highlight: (i) composed nearly-zero energy far from emissions district; (ii) may be positive vice-versa; (iii) constraints linked lack space densely populated city due insufficient install renewables site.