Road transport accounted for 97% of the transport sector emissions in Ireland in 2006 and is the main contributor to the growth of transport emissions. The problem with transport emissions arises from a number of areas including the increased number of cars, the increased use of large engine vehicles and inefficient driving patterns. These patterns apply to both individuals in private cars and industry using fleet vehicles. Guidance for reducing these emissions is presented below:
Increased Vehicles
The Department of Transport have reported that there was an increase of 72% in the total number of vehicles licensed from 1,338,616 in 1996 to 2,296,393 in 2006. This increase is due to the increased prosperity in the country and increased population but the road infrastructure cannot cope with this dramatic increase in vehicle numbers. It is predicted that average speed in urban areas in morning peak hour in Dublin will have dropped from 13kph in 2006 to 8kph in 2016.
As part of the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, calls for a shift from private vehicles use to public transport in order to reduce transport related emissions. This has resulted in greater investment in public transport infrastructure such as commuter rail systems and inter city rail systems through Transport 21. In addition the Department of Transport has published the “2020 Vision - Sustainable Travel and Transport” which outlines objectives to assist a greater modal shift to public transport coupled with increased walking and cycling (http://www.sustainabletravel.ie/index.html).
Energy Efficient Vehicles
The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has a 2006 CO2 Emissions Guide presented on the website (http://www.simi.ie/showcontent.asp?SubsectionID=1) which presents the carbon emissions factors of all vehicles available in Ireland. The type of vehicle you or your company drives can have a very different impact on your carbon footprint.
For example Toyota markets cars that range in emissions from a Prius at 104g of CO2 per km up to the V8 land cruiser at 282g of CO2 per km (figures are combined emissions over 100km). A fuel efficient car will not only save you money on VRT, Motor Tax and fuel, but it will help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Using the above example, the emissions from a Prius over 20,000km would amount to approximately 2.1 tonnes of CO2 compared to 5.6 tonnes from the Landcruiser over the same distance. There is considerable scope for individuals and companies to reduce transport emissions through informed choice of vehicle; leading to significant savings both economically and to the environment. Test how eco-friendly your car is at "How Clean is Your Car" by SEI.
The EU has proposed binding legislation that would compel all vehicle manufacturers to cut average emissions from new cars from the variety of current levels to a standard 130g/km by 2012 through vehicle-technology improvements. This would require all new cars to comply with this new low emission factor and would help decrease the CO2 emissions from all cars. However, this proposal is being opposed by the car manufacturing industry.
Eco-Driving
Generally, fuel consumed in everyday driving is lost in many ways, such as engine inefficiency, aerodynamic drag, rolling friction, energy required to climb hills, and energy lost to braking. Using energy efficient driving (eco-driving) can influence all of these. Ecodriving is about driving in a style suited to modern engine technology: smart, smooth and safe driving techniques that lead to average fuel savings of 5-10%. Ecodriving offers numerous benefits for drivers of cars, vans, lorries and buses with cost savings and fewer accidents as well as reductions in emissions and noise levels. For further information follow the following link:
One Small Step
(http://www.onesmallstep.ie/index.php)
One Small Step is website dedicated to the small changes people can make in their daily transport choices. For businesses it gives information on setting up a Workplace Travel Plan (http://www.workplacetravelplans.ie/) plus information on the Taxsaver Commuter Ticket Scheme.
In addition the Department of Transport has eco-driving tips on www.transport.ie.