Publications

@article{Perez-Sanchez2019,

title = {Characterizing the metabolic pattern of urban systems using MuSIASEM: The case of Barcelona},

author = {Laura P\'{e}rez-S\'{a}nchez and Mario Giampietro and Ra\'{u}l Velasco-Fern\'{a}ndez and Maddalena Ripa},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2018.09.028},

doi = {10.1016/j.enpol.2018.09.028},

issn = {03014215},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Energy Policy},

volume = {124},

number = {March 2018},

pages = {13--22},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {The extreme degree of openness of contemporary urban systems with regard to both economy and population creates a serious challenge for the study of urban energy metabolism. A novel tool based on Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) is proposed to overcome these challenges. It consists of an end-use matrix, a coherent multi-level integrated characterization of the uses of different forms of energy carriers (electricity, heat, fuels) for the various tasks performed in the city, including private and public mobility, tourism, commercial and residential activities. The end-use matrix integrates quantitative data referring to different dimensions (i.e. energy, human activity, land use, value added) and hierarchical (economic sectors and functional elements at lower levels) and spatial scales (i.e. individual buildings, neighborhoods, and the city as a whole). The end-use matrix provides information on both extensive (flows) and intensive variables (flow/fund ratios or benchmarks). Benchmarks are important for policy-making and allow a meaningful comparison of energy performance across hierarchical levels within the urban system, and among different urban systems. The approach is illustrated for Barcelona, a global city characterized by an important service sector.},

keywords = {Cities, End-use matrix, Energy, MuSIASEM, Time allocation, Urban metabolism},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Kovacic2016,

title = {Probing uncertainty levels of electrification in informal urban settlements: A case from South Africa},

author = {Zora Kovacic and Suzanne Smit and Josephine Kaviti Musango and Alan Colin Brent and Mario Giampietro},

url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0197397515302356},

doi = {10.1016/j.habitatint.2016.06.002},

issn = {01973975},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-08-01},

journal = {Habitat International},

volume = {56},

pages = {212--221},

abstract = {textcopyright 2016 Elsevier Ltd. This paper assesses the different levels of uncertainty that affect the analysis of informal urban settlements and the implementation of upgrading policies, with a specific focus on electrification. The rapid growth of informal settlements in the cities of the Global South poses serious challenges to the management of energy systems, particularly when it comes to the electricity grid. Informal urban settlements are characterized by the lack of urban planning and low or absent provision of public services. Exponential population growth increases the complexity of urban planning. An inadequate understanding of uncertainty can undermine the effectiveness of informal settlement upgrading and deepen social inequalities. Based on the case study of the Enkanini settlement in Stellenbosch, South Africa, this paper probes three levels of uncertainty: (i) methodological uncertainty associated with the challenge of estimating energy demand and demographic changes, (ii) technical uncertainty associated with the expansion of the electric grid and securing revenues, and (iii) epistemological uncertainty associated with the definition of the relevant problems and pertinent solutions for informal settlements. The paper highlights how the focus of technical uncertainty displaces the debate on the socio-political challenges of informal settlement upgrading.},

keywords = {Cities, Complexity, Energy, Slums, Upgrading, Urban metabolism},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}