Transport systems have significant impacts on the environment, accounting for between 20% and 25% of world energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Road transport is also a major contributor to local air pollution and smog.
Sustainable transport is any form of transport that does not use or rely on dwindling natural resources. Instead it relies on renewable or regenerated energy rather than fossil fuels that have a finite life expectancy. For this reason it is said to have a low or a negative effect on the environment since it makes use of energy sources that are sustainable. Walking and cycling are excellent examples of sustainable transport.
Using sustainable transport can save you money, improve your health and reduce your environmental footprint.
Many schools across Amersham run walk to school schemes
The Zone 9 Cycling Project in Chesham aims to introduce cycles routes through Chesham. Find out more.
Increasing numbers of public, electric vehicle charge posts are available. You can also apply for grants to install EV charge points at home here.
1. Walk for short trips. Walking helps reduce body fat, lower blood pressure and is free. It may also take less time than you think. Encourage walking to school or working with schools to improve their current schemes.
2. Cycle instead. Switching a 10km journey per week from your car to your bike will burn 300 calories each way. It can save over 300kg of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
3. Car pooling or lift sharing. Car pooling is a great way to share the costs of fuel and parking and reduce emissions.
4. Green Driving. If you can’t avoid using a car, reduce your impact by swapping to an electric vehicle and also by employing green driving techniques:
– Regularly check your tyre pressure; under inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption.
– Servicing your car regularly can increase fuel efficiency.
– Travel light and remove roof racks when not using them.
– If you are stopping for more than 10 seconds, turn your engine off.
– Avoid road congestion whenever possible since all of the idling cars increase emissions and pollution.
5. Avoid flying as much as possible.
Find out where the electric vehicle fast charging points are in the Chilterns.
There are grants available to support the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) and charging points. Find out more here.
This Sunday Times article provides nine helpful tips for ‘eco-driving’ which will also help save money.