Feature Photo Credit: United Nations: Act Now
How can we make transportation more sustainable? It’s a crucial question, but fortunately, there are many solutions. There’s still hope for our planet, and we can make a difference by adopting more sustainable transportation habits and reimagining our cities. This week, I encourage you to take just ten minutes to explore the thoroughly researched tips I’ve put together on how we can all travel in ways that are kinder to the environment.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
“Sustainable transportation” refers to any mode of transport that is safe and has a minimal environmental impact and can also be referred to as “green transportation”. Whenever possible, sustainable transport relies on renewable energy sources instead of coal or other fossil fuels that can damage the planet. In essence, the concept can be defined as any transportation method that does not rely on the Earth’s natural resources for energy. Its main objective is to reduce negative environmental effects. This category includes public transport options, such as electric buses, zero-emission buses, metro systems, trains, and trams, as well as private transport modes like walking, cycling, scooters, and electric vehicles.
urban mobility trends
Current urban mobility trends in the UK are shaped by ongoing urban expansion, driven largely by a housing shortage and a heavy dependence on cars. In response, sustainable transport has emerged in recent years as a practical solution to mitigate the negative impacts of increasing urban mobility while promoting eco-friendly alternatives.
Why is this shift necessary? The rise in greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector has become a major concern in urban areas, where air pollution is increasingly recognised as a serious public health threat.
Transitioning to sustainable transportation methods is essential for reducing harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which, in turn, helps lower atmospheric pollution and improves air quality in cities. According to Environmental Protection UK, transport is the leading source of both air and noise pollution. Data from 2019 shows that the transport sector was responsible for 122 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e), accounting for about 27% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Although the power sector was once the largest contributor, recent shifts toward green energy have significantly reduced its emissions, while transport emissions have remained largely unchanged.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT METHODS
Changing our travel habits has many benefits: less CO2 emissions, less cost and even less stress and fatigue. The time has come to review the use of different modes of transport according to the distance travelled and start adopting different daily habits. I’ve put together some eco-friendly transportation ideas if you’re interested in having a positive impact on our carbon footprint.
Bikes, Scooters and Hover Boards
Bicycles have long been a reliable way to reach your destinations. These eco-friendly modes of transport are advantageous for the environment, allowing you to travel without the concerns of loud noises or harmful carbon monoxide emissions polluting the air.
Today, enthusiasts of low-impact transportation, such as bicycles, have a wide range of options to choose from. Electric scooters, in particular, have gained popularity among riders because they offer a safer alternative to hoverboards while being less cumbersome than bikes. Although some heavier individuals might worry about whether these scooters can support their weight, there are scooters designed for individuals weighing over 250 or 300 lbs, making them accessible to a broader range of riders.
cycle share schemes
So, whether you choose to travel with your bike or scooter or choose to rent your city’s electric bikes or e-scooters, give this sustainable travel method a go.
Across the UK, cycle share schemes offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to hire bikes for short trips or to explore new areas. These schemes come in two main forms: docked and dockless. The most well-known docked scheme is London’s Santander Cycles, launched in 2010, which now boasts over 12,000 bikes and 800 docking stations, with e-bikes added in 2022. Docked schemes feature designated stations for picking up and returning bikes, offering better security but requiring space and infrastructure.
Dockless schemes, introduced more recently, provide greater flexibility. These can operate with virtual geo-fenced hubs or ‘free-floating’ systems, allowing users to leave bikes anywhere within a defined area. By downloading the relevant app, users can easily locate, unlock, and ride a bike, making these schemes a versatile solution for urban mobility.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
If you plan to buy a car, consider going electric, as more and cheaper models are becoming available. Electric cars can significantly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions compared to gas or diesel-powered vehicles, cutting your carbon footprint by up to 2 tons of CO2e per year. Hybrid vehicles can also help, saving up to 700 kilograms of CO2e annually. The shift towards vehicles that don’t rely on petrol has accelerated, with drivers now charging their cars at home or on the go using standard power outlets. The rise of transportation apps is further supporting this eco-friendly transition.
However, it’s important to note that many electric cars still run on electricity produced from fossil fuels, and the batteries and engines require rare minerals, which come with environmental and social costs. Despite these challenges, the availability of affordable electric cars—some starting as low as £14,000—makes them a viable option for many consumers. Brands like Tesla, led by CEO Elon Musk, are at the forefront of this movement, contributing to cleaner air and a reduced environmental impact. Ultimately, switching to electric is a step towards a more sustainable future.
Car Pooling
Carpooling may not be a new idea, but it remains a valuable and relevant option when it comes to sustainable transportation. Essentially, it involves sharing a ride with others who are heading to the same destination. This practice significantly reduces the number of vehicles on the road, leading to lower emissions and less traffic congestion.
Some car-sharing apps such as Uber, BlaBlaCar, and Liftshare are embracing eco-friendly transportation options, allowing you to save money by sharing a ride with others. So, whether you choose to car pool with your friends, family or colleagues or share with strangers, this transportation method is not only sustainable for the environment but for your pocket too.
Public Transportation
While there have been concerns about buses and other forms of public transportation in the past, utilising these options can still contribute positively to the environment. According to the United Nations Act Now (UN) shifting from cars to public transportation can reduce up to 2.2 tons of carbon emissions annually per individual. Public transportation often operates on a similar principle as carpooling. Recent advancements in public transit have introduced greener alternatives, such as electric buses, tubes and trains, especially in London. Depending on your location, your city may already be adopting healthier initiatives to revamp transportation systems.
Walking
This might be the simplest solution available, but you can save both money and CO2 emissions by strolling to your local destinations. Walking is not only excellent exercise but also helps clear your mind and requires no schedule. There are numerous benefits to increasing walking among the population. It enhances health, generates no emissions or noise, fosters community connections, supports local businesses, and offers a fantastic way to discover the city.
If you live in London, like I do, you may know that the Mayor aims to make the city the most walkable in the world. From reducing road hazards by slowing down traffic, improving crossings, and implementing other safety measures; to lowering pollution exposure, such as through the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and traffic reduction efforts, Sadiq Khan is doing a lot for our city. So it’s time we embrace these changes and make the most of them.
Be mindful of flying
Flying has a significant environmental impact due to the large amount of fuel planes burn, resulting in high carbon emissions. A long-haul flight, such as from New York City to Tokyo, emits nearly 2 tons of CO2—while the average global carbon footprint per person is 5.9 tons annually. Even shorter flights can generate between 0.2 and 1.5 tons of CO2 per trip.
Some airlines offer carbon offset programmes, allowing passengers to invest in environmental projects to counterbalance their flight’s emissions. Other sustainable flying options include choosing airlines that use more fuel-efficient aircraft or sustainable aviation fuels.
Alternatives like trains or buses are even more eco-friendly. To further reduce air travel, consider combining business trips into fewer flights or choosing vacation destinations accessible by train, bus, or car.
THE BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
As you can see, even with the governments not necessarily pushing us and our cities to be at their greenest, there is still a lot we can do as individuals to make our transport habits greener. And if you’re wondering why we should be doing this, it’s because sustainable transportation presents numerous advantages in the social, environmental and economic aspects.
It reduces carbon footprint
Modes of transport like walking or cycling have nearly zero environmental impact, as they do not emit greenhouse gases, consume energy, or contribute to pollution such as noise or air pollution. Public transportation, on the other hand, helps lower road traffic, resulting in fewer emissions per passenger mile compared to single-occupancy vehicles.
It creates safer transportation
Utilising public transport is significantly safer than commuting in a privately owned vehicle, reducing the likelihood of accidents. If this is green, that’s even better.
A train with 8 carriages is approximately 200 metres long. You may think that uses up a lot of space and that is not that safe. In reality, trains are smaller than two-lane roads and have a lower environmental impact in terms of land use. Furthermore, they can transport way more people at once than a car can and have a lower accident rate than private cars do. The same goes for buses or trams.
It lowers congestion levels
Sustainable transport leads to fewer bottlenecks by minimising the number of private and commercial vehicles, such as trucks and cars, on the roads. Even in metropolitan areas, individuals can reach their destinations more quickly. This also aids in conserving the natural ecosystem. Just think that the more cars are on the road, the more the CO2 emissions.
It promotes health and well-being
Reduced emissions and pollution contribute to improved health. Many people reside in areas where pollution levels exceed legal limits. Greater use of public transport could significantly decrease pollution levels, allowing individuals to breathe easier and live longer. Additionally, research indicates that residents of walkable communities tend to be happier, as they can enjoy fresh air each morning. Plus, engaging in sustainable modes of transportation like walking and cycling naturally enhances health through exercise.
It bridges societal gaps by creating opportunities
Enhancing transportation sustainability can help bridge social divides by creating opportunities. More affordable transport options increase mobility, granting individuals better access to jobs and education, which also positively impacts the economy. Furthermore, investments in sustainable transportation projects often result in job creation. Building infrastructure, developing alternatives to diesel-powered vehicles, and hiring personnel to operate and manage sustainable transport generate job opportunities for those in need. This development is inclusive, requiring the skills of designers, construction workers, maintenance personnel, and various other professionals.
Sustainable transportation saves money
While initial investments in sustainable transportation can be costly, they can lead to long-term savings for both the economy and citizens. Constructing roads, developing infrastructure for transport systems, and purchasing buses require funds, but maintaining roads can often be more expensive than maintaining transport systems. Plus, using public transport can save us individuals some money. In fact, a bus or train ticket fare is way less expensive than owning and maintaining a car.
brands making a difference
Coldplay
Coldplay is setting a powerful example in the world of sustainable travel through their Music of the Spheres World Tour. Committed to reducing their carbon footprint, the band has introduced several eco-conscious initiatives. One of their standout efforts is offering fans a discount at the show if they travel by bicycle. Their dedicated “bicycle-powered” points at venues allow concertgoers to pedal their way to a discount, reducing emissions while fostering a sense of community. Coldplay’s Sustainability Report highlights this and other measures, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions by 50% compared to their last tour.
In addition to this, Coldplay has partnered with renewable energy providers to power stages and venues using solar energy, battery storage, and kinetic floors that generate power through the movement of fans dancing. According to their Emissions Update report, these efforts have already resulted in a 47% reduction in carbon emissions.
CANOPY & STARS
Other brands in the travel and hospitality industry are following suit. Canopy & Stars, for instance, offered me a £75 discount on my recent stay at the Hay Barn for choosing public transport over driving. By promoting greener travel options, they make it easier and more rewarding for guests to lower their environmental impact.
Related – The Hay Barn: Glamping With My Mum
Patagonia
In addition to utilising biofuels, Patagonia is dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of its transportation by optimizing shipment routes to decrease reliance on air freight, which has a high carbon footprint.
Patagonia is also committed to using rail transport instead of trucks where feasible and is also exploring the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles for its delivery operations.
Eurostar
Eurostar is another company championing sustainable travel by promoting its low-carbon journeys as a greener alternative to short-haul flights across Europe. They’ve made strides in reducing emissions per passenger and even offer carbon-neutral train journeys, planting trees for every trip taken.
BrewDog
This craft brewery has taken innovative steps to use recycled cooking oil in its operations. BrewDog has invested in biofuel technology to convert waste oil from its brewing process into biodiesel for its delivery vehicles, further reducing emissions associated with transportation.
Lush Cosmetics
Lush is committed to sustainable transportation by prioritising local sourcing and reducing long-distance shipping. The brand uses biodegradable packing materials and encourages the use of public transportation for deliveries in urban areas. Lush also works with logistics partners that share its sustainability values.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop has adopted a commitment to sustainable logistics by reducing transportation emissions through local sourcing and eco-friendly delivery methods. The brand is also exploring partnerships with logistics companies that prioritize sustainability in their operations.
These brands demonstrate a commitment to sustainable transport initiatives, recognising the importance of reducing their environmental impact and striving for greener logistics solutions.
and finally......
Sustainable transportation can take on different meanings based on the context in which it’s applied. It may lead to an improved quality of life for residents, contribute to a more efficient and eco-friendly city, or even help close the inequality gap. It basically needs to strike a healthy balance among people, transportation, and natural systems. To achieve this, city roads and streets must be accessible to everyone. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the environment, ensuring it remains as undisturbed as possible by transportation and urban infrastructure, or at least experiences minimal impact.
At the heart of sustainable transport are three guiding elements: economic, environmental, and social considerations. This trio should establish a framework for planning, implementing, and maintaining sustainable systems, at least when we talk about how governments and infrastructures can implement these changes:
- Economic: Ensure transportation costs are affordable for all, including low-income residents.
- Social: Develop safe, secure, and accessible mobility options for individuals, regardless of gender, age, or physical abilities.
- Environmental: Create solutions that reduce emissions and pollution while protecting the environment.
To make transportation sustainable, it is essential for governments to start establishing a timeframe for tracking and evaluating their progress. This means moving away from ambiguous terms like “near future” and “soon.” Whether measured in hours, months, or seasons, projects should have defined starting and ending points, enabling stakeholders in sustainable transportation initiatives to assess changes and determine if they are getting closer to the project’s objectives.