Transport is currently the UK’s biggest source of carbon emissions (BEIS 2019). Between 1990 and 2018 the UK economy reduced its total greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 43.1%; during that period transport reduced its emissions by just 3% (Energy Savings Trust 2018). As such, transport and mobility are fundamental parts of zero carbon plans at city and regional level.
As Cenex point out, transport as a sector presents particular challenges. Light vehicles could transition to an electric alternative without great inconvenience, or biomethane fuel from sustainably sourced crops, where any emissions released are absorbed in the growing of the crops, even progressing to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles - which produce zero tailpipe emissions.
The Net Zero case studies in the mobility and transport category examine how well placed we are to move towards an electric vehicle (EV) future. As local authorities increase their number of EVs and the public is encouraged to consider using car sharing programmes, do we have the infrastructure and Grid support in place to allow such a transition? To work out how councils can electrify communities without overloading already overstretched grids, case studies also explore Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) strategies and how they are tailor made to specific areas. Some LAs have even proposed zero emission zones (ZEZ) which would see non-essential cars and lorries banned from city centres - something that might not be viable for all communities. As will all of our Net Zero challenges, there will be no-one-size-fits all solution.
