Exploring the Carbon Emission Impact of Community Life Circle Shared Clusters: A Case Study of Nanjing, China

Abstract

Aligned with global sustainability goals, this study examines how facility service and sharing structures influence urban carbon emissions. Using Nanjing as a case, a multi-scale system is developed across four facility types: education & health, culture & sports, convenience & utility, and commercial & leisure. Shared community clusters are identified via isochrone analysis and strongest-link mapping. Carbon emission impacts are evaluated using both univariate and multivariate regressions. Results reveal type-specific differences in spatial sharing patterns and emission sensitivities, with cultural facilities showing the strongest effects. A carbon-oriented planning strategy is proposed, advocating differentiated configurations of self-sufficient and shared facilities based on facility-type characteristics and spatial service structures.