Page 32 - Methodology to assess Net Zero progress in cities

4 Conclusions

This document presented alternative methods that can be applied to city carbon neutrality
assessment. This document proposes and presents three different approaches for the corresponding
city assessment. The first approach is based on existing standards and on previous standardization
efforts for SSC development. It concerns the city carbon performance, which is measured according
to the GHG produced by a city. It is calculated with the individual sector's assessment and the
combination of the results. The overall performance classifies the city in a proposed carbon
consumption maturity model, which associates carbon neutrality with digital transformation since
it recognizes the important role that digitalization and data play for carbon neutrality. The second
approach is based on findings from the literature and concerns the carbon neutrality progress
assessment. This approach is performed across the globe and shows how different countries have
targeted carbon neutrality by 2050. The third approach measures the strategic performance of a
carbon neutrality strategy. The methodology uses the balanced scorecard to align carbon-neutral
initiatives to corresponding strategic objectives and indexes.

The overall findings can be applied individually or in combination, and generate useful inputs
to city leaders to evaluate and monitor their strategic implementation for local carbon neutrality.
Moreover, the assessment models can generate a common understanding of how carbon neutrality
can be established in cities and how digital transformation (carbon consumption maturity model)
are associated.

22