Decarbonization analysis on residential end uses in the emerging economies

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the decarbonization progress in residential buildings of China and India over two decades, highlighting the role of electrification and providing a novel model to assess emission reductions in emerging economies.

Contribution

It introduces a new carbon intensity model and structural decomposition method to evaluate decarbonization in residential end uses of emerging economies.

Findings

China and India reduced 1498.3 and 399.7 MtCO2 respectively.

Electrification significantly contributed to decarbonizing space cooling and appliances.

Substantial decarbonization observed over two decades.

Abstract

This study explores the historical emission patterns and decarbonization efforts of China and India, the largest emerging emitters in residential building operations. Using a novel carbon intensity model and structural decomposition approach, it assesses the operational decarbonization progress over the past two decades. Results show significant decarbonization, with China and India collectively reducing 1498.3 and 399.7 MtCO2, respectively. Electrification notably contributed to decarbonizing space cooling and appliances in both countries.