 Research corner
Exploring the potential of sufficiency scenarios to reach net-zero buildings in Swiss municipalities
Zuhaib Batra, Til Sommer, Thomas Jusselme and Kristina Orehounig
This study investigates the implementation of sufficiency principles within the Swiss building sector. The impact of various sufficiency and efficiency measures (e.g. promote shared living, renovation of building envelope) is quantitatively evaluated through different scenarios, which assess the efficacy of sufficiency-based measures in reducing emissions. Findings indicate that a strategically targeted combination of space demand reduction and renovation offers significant potential to lower both operational and embodied emissions.
Quantifying minimum mobility and transport needs: The who, the where and the why
Marlin Arnz, Zakia Soomauroo, Vivien Fisch-Romito, Jihoon Min, Joel Millward-Hopkins, Paul Natsuo Kishimoto, Benigna Boza-Kiss, Caroline Zimm and Bas van Ruijven
This paper defines the concept of "decent mobility", which is operationalised and quantified using a persona approach. The authors model two case studies with very distinct mobility systems – Switzerland and Mauritius – to illustrate the flexibility of the framework, which offers a method for evaluating present and future transport systems by putting human needs and their heterogeneity at the centre.
How to reduce the need for large and long-range battery electric vehicles
Raphael Hoerler
This paper asks what conditions can stir users towards smaller electric vehicles with a reduced range, thus reducing emissions, raw material use and pedestrian fatalities. The findings suggest that secured home charging access is a key factor in shifting preferences from conventional cars and long-range BEVs to lower-range BEVs. Additionally, access to carsharing and rental services reduces preferences for larger cars.
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