Study on the importance of public transport, walking and cycling to climate policy is completed
The European Commission has proposed a 40 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels as a binding climate and energy target for the year 2030.
This means a 43 per cent reduction in sectors within the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) and a 30 per cent reduction in non-ETS sectors – which includes transport – compared to 2005 levels. The latter target will be agreed separately for each Member State. For Finland, an emissions reduction target of up to 36 per cent has been projected. The Ministry of Transport and Communications estimates that the transport sector’s share of this reduction target will not be met given the current trend, and that additional measures are needed.
A study conducted by a group of researchers led by VTT Technical Research Centre Ltd and released today, 11 September, investigated the transport-related feasibility and economic feasibility of energy efficiency measures in the transport sector that create the preconditions for Finland to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in the year 2030. In addition, information was produced about the impact of measures on road safety and public health, and the division of tasks between the municipalities and the state in implementing measures to reduce emissions was analysed.
In the study, energy efficiency measures were defined as: (1) measures to promote public transport in urban areas; (2) measures to promote public transport over long distances; (3) measures to promote walking and cycling; (4) measures related to urban form development; (5) measures to promote alternative power sources in road transport; and (6) measures to promote low-emission passenger cars.
Based on the results of the study, measures to develop public transport, walking, cycling and urban form would make it possible to cover a little less than one-third of the emissions reduction target projected for Finland’s transport sector. Inspected from only a climate policy point of view, promoting these measures is not very cost-effective. Emissions reductions are achieved more as a by-product of promoting the transport services necessary for development in urban areas (e.g. investments in infrastructure for rail transport, walking and cycling). Instead, significant changes in the pricing and supply of long-distance trips – over 100 km – between sub-regions are currently underway. For the first time in decades, it is widely possible to travel by public transport more inexpensively than by passenger car. There is potential, especially in connections between major urban centres, for shifts in market shares between modes of transport to the benefit of public transport, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective manner.
The reduction in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions achieved by measures involving public transport, walking, cycling and urban structure is less than the impact achieved by measures involving road transport technology and biofuels, but the benefit of these measures is not limited only to emissions reduction. Other benefits that can be achieved with these measures include, for instance, positive impacts on air quality, road safety, traffic flow and, to a significant extent, on public health. Through new transport fleet and fuel alternatives, technology measures contribute to the effectiveness of other energy efficiency measures, and consequently the selections of measures complement each other in achieving the goals of sustainable urban mobility.
The study Energy efficiency measures in transport as part of achieving the EU’s climate and energy targets for 2030: study on the effects, costs and division of tasks was carried out as one aspect of the Government’s 2014 plan for analysis, assessment and research (www.vn.fi/teas).
Additional information about the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities (vn.fi/teas)
Inquiries: Principal Scientist Anu Tuominen, VTT, tel 040 502 8921,[email protected]; Consultant Juha Tervonen, JT-Con, tel. 040 709 1413, [email protected]; Postdoctoral Researcher Heikki Liimatainen, Transport Research Centre Verne, Tampere University of Technology, tel. 040 849 0320, [email protected]; Senior Research Scientist Antti Rehunen, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), tel. 0295 251 550, [email protected]; and
Project Manager Sari Löytökorpi (Government analysis, assessment and research activities), Prime Minister’s Office, tel. 0295 160 187
