Traditionally over 90% of fuel used for the transport sector is petroleum-based so it’s not a surprise that the transport sector has approximately 15% of global carbon emission. Among the sub-sectors, road transport is the top contributor to global warming.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Transport emissions accounted for over 24% of global CO2 emissions in 2016. So if we want to take climate action, we need to rethink our transportation habits.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS?
Transport and logistics are required primarily for mobility, moving people or products from one place to another. If mobility is provided an inequitable, efficient, safe & clean way, it is sustainable mobility. So it means everyone has access to good quality transport, people and goods are moved from one place to another smoothly & without creating any hazards or accidents and without harming the environment.
Sustainable transport is basically an alternate mode of transport which has a lesser adverse impact on the environment and society without compromising accessibility, which is the most significant functional characteristic of the transport sector.
Sustainable transport is mainly either uses renewable or clean energy over fossil fuels which generate global warming gases or focus is given to fuel efficiency and effectiveness of the transport system to reduce emissions.
In the new age designs of sustainable development i.e. livable communities and sustainable cities focus is given to reduce the use of private transport. The facilities in the communities are accessible for residents without using their cars either by walking or cycling or accessibility is provided by mass transit or public transport systems.
To make logistics sustainable, the focus is given to reducing carbon emission, reducing the amount of waste, reduction of the overall energy consumed throughout the supply chain.
SUSTAINABLE CARS
Electric cars are one of the best Eco-friendly cars and are now available in UAE like Tesla electric car saloon. The infrastructure of electric charging stations is also getting better in UAE since the last couple of years. So now it’s much easier to own and to drive electric cars here as there are recharging stations at some petrol stations, hotels, and government offices.
The second best in line is hybrid cars. In UAE, you can find Toyota Prius (read our review) or Toyota Camry (read here). There are also hybrid SUVs available in the UAE like the BMW X5 xDrive45e, Volvo XC90 T8, Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, the Porsche Cayenne 2017 hybrid, the Lexus RX hybrid or smaller cross over cars like the Lexus CT hybrid. These cars will save both the amount of fuel used and your bills for fuel and they’ll also reduce your carbon footprint significantly.
If however, you are unable to buy a hybrid or electric car, it’s better to go for a fuel-efficient car with “GDI” technology (Gasoline Direct Injection Engine Technology). Also, the UAE’s Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) has developed a UAE specific fuel efficiency rating system, which helps to find more fuel-efficient cars available in the local market.
However, even if you don’t drive any fuel-efficient or Eco-friendly car, you can still save fuel and reduce carbon emissions. Here are a few tips.
- Switch off the engine: When you are filling up fuel on a gas station, switch off the engine to reduce emission as well as for safety reasons. It might be tempting to keep your car engine and the AC running whilst your run in to collect the kids from school or buy some quick coffee but imagine if everyone did this, it adds to unnecessary emissions and wasted fuel. Also remember, if you are keeping your AC on when you leave the car, your car is using either fuel or it’s battery. So switch off AC to avoid excess carbon emission or risk of even battery drain.
- Reduce Air conditioning needs in the car: Park your vehicle in shade or at least use sun-shields so that you reduce heating up your car in summer. Also better to tint the car windows up-to permissible levels, which reduces the heating up of interiors of the car.
We have looked at different Eco-friendly cars but remember, public transport is the best sustainable mobility option. The use of public transport not only reduces carbon emission but also reduce traffic congestion on the roads.
DUBAI’S SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
Because of extremely hot weather conditions providing year-round walkability in Dubai’s communities is a big challenge and so dependency on carbon-emitting transport is more. But thanks to air-conditioned bus stops and footbridges; people in Dubai are walking more than a few years back. The increasing number of dedicated cycle tracks, provision of cycle racks near public buildings and bike share facilities across the city are providing residents a sustainable & clean option of transport. Both walking and cycling help people to be more active which contributes to the mental and physical well being.
Connectivity and frequency of Dubai metro, RTA buses make it possible for Dubai commuters to depend on public transport. Every year Dubai celebrates national environment day with the Car-free day, the success of which is increasing exponentially every year. Dubai water taxis & traditional Abras are also a great example of sustainable transportation. Read more about Dubai’s sustainable transportation here.
Under the Dubai green mobility initiative launched by Dubai supreme council of energy use of electric and hybrid cars will be encouraged along with creating an infrastructure of electric charging points across the city. Recently the incentives for using electric cars are announced including exemption from Salik toll, public parking fees, and free electric charging. Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy has plans to slash carbon emissions by 16 percent by 2021
Etihad airline’s ongoing research on biofuels from desert algae for aviation fuel in Abu Dhabi and in Dubai use of bio-diesel from leftover cooking oil are some great examples of how innovations in sustainable transport and logistics are taking place here in UAE. To make Dubai’s innovation in sustainable transport one step ahead, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Al Maktoum has announced 25% of transportation trips in Dubai will be smart and driverless by 2030, with a 10-seater driverless car having successfully already completed a test run.
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