Sustainable Transport

What is meant by the term “Sustainable Transport”?

In the last number years, the term sustainable transport has arisen due to the current social and environmental needs concerned with transport.  In fact, transport has more than doubled its energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in Ireland since 1990 and growth is continuing.  In 2008, transport accounted for 42% and 36% of energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in Ireland respectively. The graph below illustrates how the energy consumed in the transport sector has risen significantly since 1990.

What are the Signs of Increased Energy Consumption in Transport?

• modal shift away from using public transport
• decreased walking or cycling and increased use of the private car
• increase in trips done by private car
• increase in traffic and parking problems
• decrease in safety for people who walk or cycle
• high pollution levels in cities and business parks and so on.

How do we resolve this Problem of Increased Energy Consumption in Transport?

It is necessary to develop sustainable transport policies looking for a behavioural change towards more sustainable mobility systems which reduces CO₂ emissions.

The Tipperary Energy Agency is involved in Sustainable Transport in a variety of forms:

• Sustainable Transport Services
• Sustainable Transport Projects