Transport

The transport sector is responsible for approximately 15% of global GHG emissions¹.  In 2005, transport accounted for about 28% of UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with road transport producing 22% of total UK carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions².  Aviation is responsible for 5.5% of UK emissions and 3-5% of global emissions.

In 2006, the UK Environmental Audit Committee reported that progress to reduce emissions from the transport sector has been inadequate and the Department for Transport urgently needs to accelerate its efforts to avert dangerous climate change³.

To date there have been few measures to reduce transport emissions, but this is rapidly changing as pressure on governments, organisations and individuals increases. 

Many international agencies and NGO’s, such as the World Bank and the International Energy Agency, are developing strategies to reduce the environmental impact of transport.   In addition, many governments are currently developing measures to reduce GHG emissions by all types of transport, with a particular focus on road and aviation. 

Road transport
While road transport is not currently exposed to mechanisms such as emissions trading, the UK government has not ruled this out for the future.   There are currently a number of policies directed at reducing emissions in road vehicles and a number of tax breaks available to organisations for low-emissions vehicles.  The 2008 Budget announced that the Government will take further steps to promote environmentally efficient business travel and the take up of cleaner cars through a variety of measures.

With regulations constantly changing and the Budget reinforcing greater tax reforms to come building fleet sustainability into an organisation’s strategy, is essential.  Companies with fleets need to consider sustainable transport policies addressing issues such as which fleet vehicles to invest in, comparing fuel consumptions, and emissions levels including not only carbon dioxide emissions but also air pollutants such as nitrous oxide.

Air transport
The European Commission has announced that aviation will be included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme from 2011.  If aviation is included it will have significant impact on businesses, not only those involved in the airline industry but also to all firms with significant air travel.  From travel policies to planning; addressing these potential impacts now will allow an organisation to manage risks and costs and devise an informed travel policy.

Rail transport
Rail is responsible for less than 1% of the total UK carbon dioxide emissions and 36% of all UK transport emissions⁴.  Considering rail, as an alternative method of transport in your company’s overall travel strategy can have a significant impact on reducing emissions, as rail is a relatively carbon-efficient form of transport.

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