Transport = a quarter of the UK’s emissions pie
Transport is the largest emitting sector of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, producing 26% of the UK’s total emissions in 2021 (427 MtCO2e).
Emissions from other sectors have halved since 1990, but transport has reduced by under 3%. In an average local authority, transport is responsible for over one-third of all emissions, with the sector remaining 98% reliant on fossil fuels.
Despite many local authorities setting ambitious targets to achieve net zero by 2030, emission monitoring is patchy and the delivery of solutions remains slow. Notwithstanding what companies can do to reduce their impacts, we can all make small changes to our daily habits that can make a big change.
To celebrate World Car Free Day, I’m highlighting three levers we can all use to help reduce our carbon footprint.
Lever 1: Mode of Travel
Mode matters
All other factors being equal, the mode of travel you choose has the largest impact on your transport emissions. Increased sustenance aside, walking and cycling generate no carbon emissions, while public transport generates the lowest carbon emissions and driving an internal combustion engine vehicle has the highest impact.
Travelling by train, tram and underground is better than travelling by bus or taxi but this will continue to improve over time. For example, 400 out of the 9,000 London bus fleets are zero emission buses, with all new buses being zero emission. This is great given that London Buses carry twice the number of tube passengers each year — 2.3 billion passengers.
Fuel matters
Driving an electric or hybrid car is better than driving a petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicle, so consider this when purchasing (or hiring) your next vehicle.
Size matters
The larger the car, the greater the carbon emission. Choosing to drive a smaller car can pay big dividends in carbon savings over time.
Sharing is caring
The carbon footprint per passenger per kilometre dramatically reduces with multiple occupants. This means car sharing/pooling and shared taxi rides can help reduce emissions.
Lever 2: Local is Best
The target in London’s Transport Strategy is that 80% of all trips are undertaken by walking, cycling and public transport by 2041.
Keeping trips local can support this target by encouraging walking or cycling; the principle behind London’s Healthy Streets approach and the 15-minute city concept.
There are 4.6 million trips undertaken by car in London per day. One-third of these trips are shorter than 2 kilometres (a 25-minute walk or 7-8 minute cycle).
Walking or cycling is always the lowest carbon way to travel. Replacing short car trips by walking or cycling could reduce London’s annual emissions by c. 7,000 tCO2e (the same as 4,200 return flights between London and New York).
Lever 3: Frequency of Travel
Combine personal trips and deliveries
60% of car trips in London are used for shopping, leisure and personal business. Combining trips can reduce the total distance travelled and therefore the combined emissions.
Shopping online, particularly where deliveries can be combined will also help reduce overall emissions.
Home working
Tried and tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, home working can play a huge part in reducing overall transport-related carbon emissions, while flexible working hours will spread the weekday morning and evening travel patterns thus reducing overcrowding on public transport.
Calculate your carbon footprint
If you are interested in calculating your carbon footprint you can visit the following website which also allows you to see how you compare with your neighbours, the UK average and the UK target: WWF Footprint Calculator.
If you are interested in personalised Travel Planning advice, please feel free to get in touch.
