Sustainable moblity - Transport planning

Title

The effects of rerouting aircraft around the arctic circle on arctic and global climate

Reference

Climatic Change
December 2012, Volume 115, Issue 3-4, pp 709-724

Author(s)

Mark Z. Jacobson, Jordan T. Wilkerson, Sathya Balasubramanian, Wayne W. Cooper Jr., Nina Mohleji

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Climate data suggest greater warming over the Arctic than lower latitudes, and the most abundant direct source of black carbon and other climate-relevant pollutants over the Arctic is cross-polar flights by international aviation. A relevant question is whether rerouting cross-polar flights to circumnavigate the Arctic Circle reduces or enhances such warming. To study this issue, a model accounting for subgrid exhaust plumes from each individual commercial flight worldwide was used with 2006 global aircraft emission inventories that treated cross-polar flights and flights rerouted around the Arctic Circle (66.56083 °N), respectively. Rerouting increased fuel use by 0.056 % in the global average, mostly right outside the Arctic Circle, but most of the associated black carbon and other emissions were removed faster because they were now over latitudes of greater precipitation and lesser stability. Rerouting also reduced fuel use and emissions within the Arctic Circle by 83 % and delayed pollutant transport to the Arctic. The Arctic reduction in pollutants, particularly of black carbon, decreased Arctic and global temperature and increased Arctic sea ice over 22 years. Although the slight increase in total CO2 emissions due to rerouting may dampen the benefit of rerouting over more decades, rerouting or even partial rerouting (allowing cross-polar flights during polar night only) may delay the elimination of Arctic sea ice, which will otherwise likely occur within the next 2–3 decades due to global warming in general. Rerouting may increase worldwide fuel plus operational costs by only ~$99 million/yr, 47–55 times less than an estimated 2025 U.S.-alone cost savings due to the global warming reduction from rerouting.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Source of emissions >> Transport emissions
Climate change and energy >> Greenhouse gas emissions >> Transport emissions
Sustainable mobility >> Environmental impacts of transport >> Transport emissions – Greenhouse gases
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning                 

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10584-012-0462-0
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

jacobson@stanford.edu

Title

Evaluating noise annoyance cost recovery at Düsseldorf International Airport

Reference

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
Volume 17, Issue 8, December 2012, Pages 598–604

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

This study estimates airport noise annoyance cost around Düsseldorf, Germany by examining rental apartment market data. Using data on regional apartment offers we estimate rent discounts of 1.04% per additional decibel of airport noise. Other sources of traffic noise induce significantly lower price effects. As a result, airport noise annoyance costs amount to about €7.5 million a year. While the noise protection fund recovers annoyance costs, the charging regime of the airport fails to fully internalize them.

Policy theme(s)

Environmental economics >> Economic impacts of environmental change
Noise >> Health impacts
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Airport noise externalities; Housing markets; Noise policy; Airport environment

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1361920912000752
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

ronny.pueschel@tu-dresden.de

Title

An environmental assessment of air traffic speed constraints in the departure phase of flight: A case study at Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, Sweden

Reference

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
Volume 17, Issue 8, December 2012, Pages 610–618

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

This paper considers the environmental effects of air traffic management speed constraints during the departure phase of flight. We present a CO2 versus noise trade-off study that compares aircraft departure procedures subject to speed constraints with a free speed scenario. A departure route at Gothenburg Landvetter Airport in Sweden is used as a case study and the analysis is based on airline flight recorded data extracted from the Airbus A321 aircraft. Results suggest that CO2 emissions could be reduced by 180 kg per flight if all departure speed constraints were removed at a cost of increased noise exposure below 70 dB(A).

Policy theme(s)

Noise >> Noise management >> Noise reduction measures and technologies
Sustainable mobility >> Environmental impacts of transport >> Transport emissions – Greenhouse gases
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Air traffic departure procedures; Aircraft CO2 emissions; Noise abatement;
Speed constraints

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S136192091200079X
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

deborah.mitchell@chalmers.se

Title

The contribution of transport to air quality - TERM 2012: Transport indicators tracking progress towards environmental targets in Europe

Reference

EEA Report No 10/2012

Author(s)

Study type

Report

Abstract

TERM 2012 presents the most relevant and up to date information on the main issues regarding transport and environment in Europe, particularly in areas with specific policy targets such as greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, transport demand levels, noise and other issues. It also offers an overview of the transport sector's impact on air pollutant emissions and air quality. It discusses the contributions made by all modes of transport to direct air pollutant emissions and also to 'secondary' air pollutants formed in the atmosphere. Alongside the recently published Air quality in Europe - 2012 report, TERM 2012 aims to inform the European Commission’s review of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Source of emissions >> Transport emissions
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.eea.europa.eu/pressroom/publications/transport-and-air-quality-term-2012
This study is free to view in full    

Contact the study author at:

Title

Traffic noise and cardiovascular health in Sweden: The roadside study

Reference

Noise and health
Volume : 14   Issue : 59  Page : 140—147
DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.99864

Author(s)

Charlotta Eriksson, Mats E Nilsson, Saskia M Willers, Lars Gidhagen, Tom Bellander, Göran Pershagen

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Long-term exposure to traffic noise has been suggested to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, few studies have been performed in the general population and on railway noise. This study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular effects of living near noisy roads and railways. This cross-sectional study comprised 25,851 men and women, aged 18-80 years, who had resided in Sweden for at least 5 years. All subjects participated in a National Environmental Health Survey, performed in 2007, in which they reported on health, annoyance reactions and environmental factors. Questionnaire data on self-reported doctor's diagnosis of hypertension and/or CVD were used as outcomes. Exposure was assessed as Traffic Load (millions of vehicle kilometres per year) within 500 m around each participant's residential address. For a sub-population (n = 2498), we also assessed road traffic and railway noise in L den at the dwelling façade. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess Prevalence Odds Ratios (POR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). No statistically significant associations were found between Traffic Load and self-reported hypertension or CVD. In the sub-population, there was no association between road traffic noise and the outcomes; however, an increased risk of CVD was suggested among subjects exposed to railway noise ≥50 dB(A); POR 1.55 (95% CI 1.00-2.40). Neither Traffic Load nor road traffic noise was, in this study, associated with self-reported cardiovascular outcomes. However, there was a borderline-significant association between railway noise and CVD. The lack of association for road traffic may be due to methodological limitations.

Policy theme(s)

Environment and health >> Health risks >> Noise pollution
Noise >> Health impacts
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2012;volume=14;issue=59;spage=140;epage=147;aulast=Eriksson;type=0
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

Charlotta.eriksson@ki.se

Title

Impact of low emission zones and local traffic policies on ambient air pollution concentrations

Reference

Science of The Total Environment
Volumes 435–436, 1 October 2012, Pages 132–140

Author(s)

Hanna Boogaard, Nicole A.H. Janssen, Paul H. Fischer, Gerard P.A. Kos, Ernie P. Weijers, Flemming R. Cassee, Saskia C. van der Zee, Jeroen J. de Hartog, Kees Meliefste, Meng Wang, Bert Brunekreef, Gerard Hoek

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Background
Evaluations of the effectiveness of air pollution policy interventions are scarce. This study investigated air pollution at street level before and after implementation of local traffic policies including low emission zones (LEZ) directed at heavy duty vehicles (trucks) in five Dutch cities.
Methods
Measurements of PM10, PM2.5, ‘soot’, NO2, NOx, and elemental composition of PM10 and PM2.5 were conducted simultaneously at eight streets, six urban background locations and four suburban background locations before (2008) and two years after implementation of the policies (2010). The four suburban locations were selected as control locations to account for generic air pollution trends and weather differences.
Results
All pollutant concentrations were lower in 2010 than in 2008. For traffic-related pollutants including ‘soot’ and NOx and elemental composition (Cr, Cu, Fe) the decrease did not differ significantly between the intervention locations and the suburban control locations. Only for PM2.5 reductions were considerably larger at urban streets (30%) and urban background locations (27%) than at the matching suburban control locations (20%). In one urban street where traffic intensity was reduced with 50%, ‘soot’, NOx and NO2 concentrations were reduced substantially more (41, 36 and 25%) than at the corresponding suburban control location (22, 14 and 7%).
Conclusion
With the exception of one urban street where traffic flows were drastically reduced, the local traffic policies including LEZ were too modest to produce significant decreases in traffic-related air pollution concentrations.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Source of emissions >> Transport emissions
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning                
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Low emission zones; Trucks; Local traffic policies; Traffic; Air pollution

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969712009229

There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

j.m.c.boogaard@uu.nl

Title

Reference

Water Policy Vol 14 No 5 pp 841–853 2012
doi:10.2166/wp.2012.103

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

All over the world, governments are compelling water utilities to improve their efficiency and productivity through reforms and tougher regulatory tools. Despite the different strategies and approaches, the goals remain the same: to make the whole sector more efficient, to curb the profits and ‘quiet life’ of water utilities and pass the productivity gains to customers through reduced prices or better environmental protection and quality of service. The water sectors in Portugal and Italy underwent deep reforms in the 1990s, in pursuit of higher levels of performance. Therefore, there is added interest in measuring the performance of water utilities in these two Mediterranean countries. We assess their performance using composite (global) indicators on a sample of 88 water utilities, for the year 2007. While we compare the performance of the two countries in this sector we also try to identify the impact of the ownership structure on efficiency. Finally, this paper discusses the benchmarking results of our research and draws some policy implications.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry

Keywords

Benchmarking indicators; Italy; Performance; Portugal; Water utilities

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.iwaponline.com/wp/01405/wp014050841.htm?utm_source=IWA+Publishing+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=0043b8434d-ContentsAlert_WP_RSS&utm_medium=email

There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

nunocruz@ist.utl.pt

Title

Railway noise annoyance and the importance of number of trains, ground vibration, and building situational factors

Reference

Noise and Health
Volume: 14    Issue: 59   Page: 190—201
DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.99895

Author(s)

Anita Gidlöf-Gunnarsson, Mikael Ögren, Tomas Jerson, Evy Öhrström

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Internationally accepted exposure-response relationships show that railway noise causes less annoyance than road traffic and aircraft noise. Railway transport, both passenger and freight transport, is increasing, and new railway lines are planned for environmental reasons. The combination of more frequent railway traffic and faster and heavier trains will, most probably, lead to more disturbances from railway traffic in the near future. To effectively plan for mitigations against noise and vibration from railway traffic, new studies are needed to obtain a better basis of knowledge. The main objectives of the present study was to investigate how the relationship between noise levels from railway traffic and general annoyance is influenced by (i) number of trains, (ii) the presence of ground borne vibrations, and (iii) building situational factors, such as orientation of balcony/patio and bedroom window. Socio-acoustic field studies were executed in residential areas; (1) with relatively intense railway traffic; (2) with strong vibrations, and; (3) with the most intense railway traffic in the country. Data was obtained for 1695 respondents exposed to sound levels ranging from L Aeq,24h 45 to 65 dB. Both number of trains and presence of ground-borne vibrations, and not just the noise level per se, are of relevance for how annoying railway noise is perceived. The results imply that, for the proportion annoyed to be equal, a 5 - 7 dB lower noise level is needed in areas where the railway traffic causes strong ground-borne vibrations and in areas with a very large number of trains. General noise annoyance was twice as high among residents in dwellings with balcony / patio oriented towards the railway and about 1.5 times higher among residents with bedroom windows facing the railway.

Policy theme(s)

Environment and health >> Health risks >> Noise pollution
Noise >> Noise management >> Noise mapping and monitoring
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2012;volume=14;issue=59;spage=190;epage=201;aulast=Gidlöf-Gunnarsson;type=0
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

anita.gidlof@amm.gu.se

Title

Traffic noise and cardiovascular health in Sweden: The roadside study

Reference

Noise and health
Volume : 14   Issue : 59  Page : 140—147
DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.99864

Author(s)

Charlotta Eriksson, Mats E Nilsson, Saskia M Willers, Lars Gidhagen, Tom Bellander, Göran Pershagen

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Long-term exposure to traffic noise has been suggested to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, few studies have been performed in the general population and on railway noise. This study aimed to investigate the cardiovascular effects of living near noisy roads and railways. This cross-sectional study comprised 25,851 men and women, aged 18-80 years, who had resided in Sweden for at least 5 years. All subjects participated in a National Environmental Health Survey, performed in 2007, in which they reported on health, annoyance reactions and environmental factors. Questionnaire data on self-reported doctor's diagnosis of hypertension and/or CVD were used as outcomes. Exposure was assessed as Traffic Load (millions of vehicle kilometres per year) within 500 m around each participant's residential address. For a sub-population (n = 2498), we also assessed road traffic and railway noise in L den at the dwelling façade. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess Prevalence Odds Ratios (POR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). No statistically significant associations were found between Traffic Load and self-reported hypertension or CVD. In the sub-population, there was no association between road traffic noise and the outcomes; however, an increased risk of CVD was suggested among subjects exposed to railway noise ≥50 dB(A); POR 1.55 (95% CI 1.00-2.40). Neither Traffic Load nor road traffic noise was, in this study, associated with self-reported cardiovascular outcomes. However, there was a borderline-significant association between railway noise and CVD. The lack of association for road traffic may be due to methodological limitations.

Policy theme(s)

Environment and health >> Health risks >> Noise pollution
Noise >> Health impacts
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2012;volume=14;issue=59;spage=140;epage=147;aulast=Eriksson;type=0
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

Charlotta.eriksson@ki.se

Title

Impact of low emission zones and local traffic policies on ambient air pollution concentrations

Reference

Science of The Total Environment
Volumes 435–436, 1 October 2012, Pages 132–140

Author(s)

Hanna Boogaard, Nicole A.H. Janssen, Paul H. Fischer, Gerard P.A. Kos, Ernie P. Weijers, Flemming R. Cassee, Saskia C. van der Zee, Jeroen J. de Hartog, Kees Meliefste, Meng Wang, Bert Brunekreef, Gerard Hoek

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Background
Evaluations of the effectiveness of air pollution policy interventions are scarce. This study investigated air pollution at street level before and after implementation of local traffic policies including low emission zones (LEZ) directed at heavy duty vehicles (trucks) in five Dutch cities.
Methods
Measurements of PM10, PM2.5, ‘soot’, NO2, NOx, and elemental composition of PM10 and PM2.5 were conducted simultaneously at eight streets, six urban background locations and four suburban background locations before (2008) and two years after implementation of the policies (2010). The four suburban locations were selected as control locations to account for generic air pollution trends and weather differences.
Results
All pollutant concentrations were lower in 2010 than in 2008. For traffic-related pollutants including ‘soot’ and NOx and elemental composition (Cr, Cu, Fe) the decrease did not differ significantly between the intervention locations and the suburban control locations. Only for PM2.5 reductions were considerably larger at urban streets (30%) and urban background locations (27%) than at the matching suburban control locations (20%). In one urban street where traffic intensity was reduced with 50%, ‘soot’, NOx and NO2 concentrations were reduced substantially more (41, 36 and 25%) than at the corresponding suburban control location (22, 14 and 7%).
Conclusion
With the exception of one urban street where traffic flows were drastically reduced, the local traffic policies including LEZ were too modest to produce significant decreases in traffic-related air pollution concentrations.

Policy theme(s)

Air pollution >> Source of emissions >> Transport emissions
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning                 
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities

Keywords

Low emission zones; Trucks; Local traffic policies; Traffic; Air pollution

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969712009229

There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

j.m.c.boogaard@uu.nl

Title

Railway noise annoyance and the importance of number of trains, ground vibration, and building situational factors

Reference

Noise and Health
Volume: 14    Issue: 59   Page: 190—201
DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.99895

Author(s)

Anita Gidlöf-Gunnarsson, Mikael Ögren, Tomas Jerson, Evy Öhrström

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Internationally accepted exposure-response relationships show that railway noise causes less annoyance than road traffic and aircraft noise. Railway transport, both passenger and freight transport, is increasing, and new railway lines are planned for environmental reasons. The combination of more frequent railway traffic and faster and heavier trains will, most probably, lead to more disturbances from railway traffic in the near future. To effectively plan for mitigations against noise and vibration from railway traffic, new studies are needed to obtain a better basis of knowledge. The main objectives of the present study was to investigate how the relationship between noise levels from railway traffic and general annoyance is influenced by (i) number of trains, (ii) the presence of ground borne vibrations, and (iii) building situational factors, such as orientation of balcony/patio and bedroom window. Socio-acoustic field studies were executed in residential areas; (1) with relatively intense railway traffic; (2) with strong vibrations, and; (3) with the most intense railway traffic in the country. Data was obtained for 1695 respondents exposed to sound levels ranging from L Aeq,24h 45 to 65 dB. Both number of trains and presence of ground-borne vibrations, and not just the noise level per se, are of relevance for how annoying railway noise is perceived. The results imply that, for the proportion annoyed to be equal, a 5 - 7 dB lower noise level is needed in areas where the railway traffic causes strong ground-borne vibrations and in areas with a very large number of trains. General noise annoyance was twice as high among residents in dwellings with balcony / patio oriented towards the railway and about 1.5 times higher among residents with bedroom windows facing the railway.

Policy theme(s)

Environment and health >> Health risks >> Noise pollution
Noise >> Noise management >> Noise mapping and monitoring
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.noiseandhealth.org/article.asp?issn=1463-1741;year=2012;volume=14;issue=59;spage=190;epage=201;aulast=Gidlöf-Gunnarsson;type=0
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

anita.gidlof@amm.gu.se

Title

The Stockholm congestion charges —5 years on. Effects, acceptability and lessons learnt

Reference

Transport Policy
Volume 20, March 2012, Pages 1–12

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning                 
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Sustainable cities

Keywords

Congestion charging; Public acceptability; Political acceptability;
Elasticity; Long-term effects

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967070X11001284

There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

maria.borjesson@abe.kth.se

Title

Building a bridge, transport infrastructure and population characteristics  : Explaining active travel into Glasgow

Reference

Transport Policy
Volume 21, May 2012, Pages 119–125

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Background
It is widely agreed that walking and cycling are good for individual and public health. There is a lack of evidence about what works to promote active travel. This paper aimed to explain the variation in active travel into Glasgow, a post industrial city in the West of Scotland.
Methods
Census travel data from 2001 and data from a cordon count performed over 2 day in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 were used to estimate the number of pedestrians and cyclists entering and leaving the City centre from four City sectors.
Results
In 2001, pedestrian commuters (12.6%) were more common than cycling commuters (1.3%). There was no clear pattern in cycling or pedestrian commuting by deprivation. The number of cyclists crossing the cordon increased between 2007 and 2010 but interpretation of this is difficult because of variation in seasons and weather. The highest level of cycle commuting was from the sector with the best cycling infrastructure and the highest pedestrian commuting was in the sector without significant road or river barriers. The construction of a new bridge over the river Clyde was associated with an increase in the number of pedestrians and cyclists entering and leaving the cordon from that sector, even after accounting for displacement.
Conclusion
Active travel in Glasgow is relatively uncommon but is facilitated in areas with fewer physical barriers and better infrastructure. Cordon counts can provide useful localised data on levels of active commuting into City centres.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Sustainable cities

Keywords

Active travel; Walking; Cycling; Glasgow; Scotland; Physical activity

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967070X12000467

This study is free to view

Contact the study author at:

gmccartney@nhs.net

Title

Green cars sterilize congestion charges : A model analysis of the reduced impact of Stockholm road tolls

Reference

Transport Policy
Volume 21, May 2012, Pages 110–118

Author(s)

Lars Hultkrantz, , Xing Liu

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

Before–after comparisons indicate that the impact of the road toll in Stockholm on traffic volumes was smaller when the system was re-opened in 2007, compared to the effect during the trial in 2006. We calibrate a modal-choice model on data for Stockholm from before and during the trial and use it to simulate the effects of some seemingly subtle changes of the design of the congestion-charge scheme. We find that the growth of the share of exempted “green” cars and the decision to make charges deductible from the income tax was about to considerably reduce the positive welfare effect of the toll at the time when the “green” car exemption was abolished.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Congestion pricing; Equity effects; Modal choice

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967070X12000443
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

lars.hultkrantz@oru.se

Title

On the mobility policies of companies: What are the good practices? The Belgian case

Reference

Transport Policy
Volume 21, May 2012, Pages 10–19

Author(s)

Study type

Peer Review Journal     

Abstract

Companies play an important role in the mobility debate as they can be considered as the primary ‘creators’ of commuting traffic. In recent years, companies have developed a variety of initiatives to improve the mobility of their employees, although their visions and actions are often neglected in the research literature. This paper aims at identifying the good practice in mobility policies of workplaces located in Belgium. To achieve this objective, existing research and two large-scale Belgian surveys of commuting are analysed. First, workplaces are clustered in order to identify those where the alternative modes of transport which are promoted by the policy are popular among employees. Then, quantitative analyses are performed to find out what are the good practices of mobility policies.
The results show that the best way of promoting an alternative mode of transport depends on company's characteristics. The promotion of bicycles is most appropriate for small workplaces, while larger workplaces and those located in built-up areas or city centres are more suitable for the promotion of public transport. Financial incentives, provision of facilities, diffusion of information and parking management all play an important role in mobility management.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable consumption and production >> Sustainable production >> Sustainable business and industry
Sustainable mobility >> Transport behaviour              
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Commuting; Employer transport plan;Sustainable commuting

Entry Source:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0967070X11001375
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

vanmalderenl@fucam.ac.be

Title

Unawareness in environmental protection: The case of light pollution from traffic

Reference

Land Use Policy
Volume 29, Issue 3, July 2012, Pages 598–604

Author(s)

Jari Lyytimäki, Petri Tapio,Timo Assmuth

Study type

Peer Review Journal    

Abstract

New information is often emphasized as a basis of effective and scientifically sound environmental policy and management. However, outdated or incorrect information is not automatically nor instantly replaced by new insights. This article focuses on the various ways environmental information can be unintentionally left with insufficient attention or purposefully neglected. Energy-related emissions caused by road traffic in Finland are used as an illustrative example and light pollution caused by artificial lighting is identified as an emerging issue that has gained especially low recognition in the environmental agenda. Four different reasons for this lack of recognition are discussed: recognized unawareness, false awareness, deliberate unawareness and concealed awareness. Paying attention to light pollution is important because of various ecological, socio-cultural and economic effects but also because implementing measures aimed for reducing light pollution create possibilities for alleviating other social and environmental problems in transport and land use policies.

Policy theme(s)

Biodiversity >> Threats to biodiversity >> Human impacts
Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning

Keywords

Energy; Environment; Recognition; Risk; Road traffic; Light pollution

Entry Source:

Shortlisted for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837711001165
There is a fee to view this study in full    

Contact the study author at:

jari.lyytimaki@ymparisto.fi

Title

Improving health through policies that promote active travel: A review of evidence to support integrated health impact assessment

Reference

Environment International
Volume 37, Issue 4, May 2011, Pages 766-777

Author(s)

Audrey de Nazelle, Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen, Josep M. Anto, et al

Study type

Peer Review Journal

Abstract

Background

Substantial policy changes to control obesity, limit chronic disease, and reduce air pollution emissions, including greenhouse gasses, have been recommended. Transportation and planning policies that promote active travel by walking and cycling can contribute to these goals, potentially yielding further co-benefits. Little is known, however, about the interconnections among effects of policies considered, including potential unintended consequences.

Objectives and methods

We review available literature regarding health impacts from policies that encourage active travel in the context of developing health impact assessment (HIA) models to help decision-makers propose better solutions for healthy environments. We identify important components of HIA models of modal shifts in active travel in response to transport policies and interventions.

Results and discussion

Policies that increase active travel are likely to generate large individual health benefits through increases in physical activity for active travelers. Smaller, but population-wide benefits could accrue through reductions in air and noise pollution. Depending on conditions of policy implementations, risk tradeoffs are possible for some individuals who shift to active travel and consequently increase inhalation of air pollutants and exposure to traffic injuries. Well-designed policies may enhance health benefits through indirect outcomes such as improved social capital and diet, but these synergies are not sufficiently well understood to allow quantification at this time.

Conclusion

Evaluating impacts of active travel policies is highly complex; however, many associations can be quantified. Identifying health-maximizing policies and conditions requires integrated HIAs.

Policy theme(s)

Sustainable mobility >> Transport planning
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Healthy cities
Urban environment >> Urban planning >> Urban transport

Keywords

Walking, Cycling, Built environment, Risk assessment, Physical activity, Air pollution

Entry Source:

N/A

Referred to in EC doc:

Selected for Science for Environment Policy News Alert

View this study at:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412011000341
There is a fee to view this study in full

Contact the study author at:

anazelle@creal.cat