15.4 Sustainable transportation and urban planning

Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. From passenger vehicles to freight transport, various modes of travel burn fossil fuels, releasing harmful pollutants. Understanding these sources is crucial for developing sustainable solutions.

Sustainable transport options offer numerous benefits. Public transit, cycling, and electric vehicles reduce emissions and congestion while improving public health. Urban planning plays a vital role in creating sustainable cities by promoting compact development, transit-oriented design, and green spaces.

Sustainable Transportation

Sources of transportation emissions

Top images from around the web for Sources of transportation emissions

• 

  Related content View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Related content View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 1

Top images from around the web for Sources of transportation emissions

• 

  Related content View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Related content View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 1

• Passenger vehicles emit greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels
  • Cars powered by internal combustion engines (gasoline or diesel)
  • Light-duty trucks consume more fuel due to larger size and weight (SUVs, pickups)
• Freight transportation generates emissions from moving goods
  • Medium and heavy-duty trucks burn diesel fuel (semi-trucks, delivery vans)
  • Rail transport powered by diesel locomotives or electricity
  • Ships use heavy fuel oil or marine diesel (container ships, tankers)
  • Aircraft emit greenhouse gases at high altitudes (passenger jets, cargo planes)
• Off-road vehicles and equipment release emissions from various industries
  • Construction machinery burns diesel fuel (excavators, bulldozers)
  • Agricultural equipment uses fossil fuels (tractors, combines)
  • Mining operations rely on diesel-powered vehicles (haul trucks, drills)

Benefits of sustainable transport options

• Public transit reduces individual vehicle usage
  • Carries more passengers per vehicle lowering per-capita emissions (buses, trains)
  • Alleviates traffic congestion by taking cars off the road
  • Reduces demand for parking spaces in urban areas
• Cycling provides a zero-emission transportation alternative
  • Powered by human energy without burning fossil fuels (bicycles, e-bikes)
  • Improves public health through increased physical activity
  • Requires less infrastructure compared to roads (bike lanes, paths)
• Electric vehicles have lower environmental impact
  • Produce fewer tailpipe emissions than gas-powered cars (battery electric vehicles)
  • Can achieve zero emissions when charged with renewable energy (solar, wind)
  • Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and oil imports

Urban Planning and Emissions Reduction

Principles of sustainable urban planning

• Compact and mixed-use development reduces travel distances
  • Locates housing, jobs, shops, and services in close proximity
  • Encourages walking, cycling, and public transit over driving
  • Preserves open spaces and natural habitats outside the city
• Transit-oriented development (TOD) integrates land use and transportation
  • Concentrates housing, employment, and amenities around transit stations
  • Reduces car dependency by providing convenient access to public transport
  • Creates vibrant, walkable communities centered on transit hubs
• Green spaces and urban forestry mitigate climate impacts
  • Absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis (parks, trees)
  • Improves air quality by filtering pollutants and particulates
  • Provides shade and evaporative cooling reducing urban heat islands
• Pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure promotes active transport
  • Safe and accessible sidewalks encourage walking (wide, well-lit, ADA compliant)
  • Dedicated bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic
  • Multi-use trails connect neighborhoods and destinations (greenways, rail-trails)

Case studies in sustainable cities

• Curitiba, Brazil demonstrates integrated land use and transportation planning
  1. Implemented bus rapid transit (BRT) system with dedicated lanes
  2. Directed high-density development along BRT corridors
  3. Created extensive pedestrian-friendly public spaces (parks, plazas)
• Copenhagen, Denmark prioritizes cycling and public transit
  • Built world-class cycling infrastructure (protected bike lanes, bicycle superhighways)
  • Pedestrianized central city streets limiting vehicle access
  • Offers efficient and accessible public transit (metro, trains, buses)
• Portland, Oregon, USA showcases smart growth principles
  • Established urban growth boundary to control sprawl and protect farmland
  • Developed extensive light rail and streetcar network (MAX, Portland Streetcar)
  • Promotes walkable neighborhoods with a mix of housing, shops, and services