Evaluating greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings in Ulaanbaatar: A web-based inventory system approach

Abstract

While high income countries are often seen as the primary contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, certain low, lower-middle and upper-middle income countries, such as Mongolia, also play a significant role. Despite Mongolia’s limited industrialization, its heavy reliance on coal-based energy (87%) and substantial livestock population (approximately 70 million) result in a notably high per capita GHG emission rate of 27 tons of CO2 equivalent. A significant portion of these emissions originates from the construction sector, which accounts for approximately 24% of national energy consumption and over one-third of CO2 emissions. In Ulaanbaatar, the capital city housing nearly 45% of Mongolia’s population, air pollution from coal consumption for heating is a pressing issue. The city’s population has surged by 28.5% over the past decade, intensifying both air pollution and GHG emissions. This study examines the current state of GHG emissions in Ulaanbaatar by employing a newly developed web-based GHG inventory system for existing buildings. The findings demonstrate that this web-based system is an effective tool for identifying and strategizing interventions against significant GHG emitters, although it faces several implementation challenges. The study recommends using this tool to develop an emissions-based building map to support emission reduction strategies, improve data collection methods, and increase stakeholder engagement.