Multi-scenario simulation of spatial structure and carbon sequestration evaluation in residential green space

•Aset of experimental solutions to examine the carbon sequestration performance.•The green space with scattered layout showshighercarbon sequestration.•Carbon sink does not increase with the ratio of trees and shrubs.•Awellmicroclimate environment is the premiseto ensure the high carbon sink. As an important component of urban green space, residential green space is crucial in improving the carbon sequestration performance of urban ecosystem. At present, there is a lack of spatial analysis on the carbon sequestration performance of residential green space. Taking the main urban area of Nanjing as an example, the study firstly adopted ENVI-met, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and net primary productivity (NPP) remote sensing estimation model to calculate the carbon sequestration performance of residential green space, and then carried out the coupling analysis on the results with the spatial characteristics of green space. Results showed that the residential green space with scattered layout present higher carbon sequestration performance; the ratio of trees and shrubs was the most critical factor affecting the carbon sequestration performance of residential green space; a suitable microclimate environment was a prerequisite to ensure high carbon sequestration performance of green space. The study revealed the spatial characteristics of residential green space that affected carbon sequestration performance, and provided a new method to calculate carbon sequestration performance of green space at microclimate scales, which pointed out a new direction for future sustainable urban development.