Climate Emergency Support

Local Authorities, Universities and NHS Trusts have a key role to play in contributing to the decarbonisation of transport. Getting the strategy right and embarking on an action plan is a priority.

The UK is aligned with EU strategy on the decarbonisation of transport, which is largely based on using more renewable energy sources for transport systems. Local Authorities, and large organisations like Universities and NHS Trusts have a key role to play in the transition, by
  • Making a switch to electrification of transport where possible
  • Encouraging alternative fuel use
  • Fostering connectivity and access to transport for all

Local Authorities, Universities & NHS Trusts have declared a climate emergency because it is a mechanism to focus strategy and action on -
  • Improving the air quality in the region/for staff & customers, by encouraging uptake of electric, hybrid and alternative fuel cell vehicles, promotion of active travel modes and personal powered mobility devices, greater use of shared transport modes, and introduction of automated services for moving people and goods
  • Infrastructure investment to meet immediate and future needs, taking into account the whole life cost of a local transport system
  • Realising the economic benefits for the region of new jobs created by new industries generating innovative energy and transport solutions
  • Reducing the volume of transport-created greenhouse gas emissions in the region/by the operator
  • Demonstrating a policy commitment to “levelling up”, by making transport more inclusive
  • Consolidating plans which encompass active travel, automation and digitalisation strategies

TRL’s main role in supporting bodies who have declared a climate emergency is to provide an independent assessment of the suitability of their strategy, and verify that plans will deliver the desired outcomes.

Any strategy will need to consider specifically:

  • The charging infrastructure and energy delivery network for all types of Electric Vehicles (EV) (vans, LGVs, buses, trams, e-scooters, e-bikes and electric cars), planning for a scale-up of demand
  • The energy supply network and safe point of delivery infrastructure for alternative fuels like hydrogen, or CNG
  • A shift in demand for and usage of private cars, as the world adapts to the Covid-19 pandemic
  • A means of accommodating active travel modes for part of journeys within the whole local transport system
  • A roadmap for providing a public bus service that is fulfilled 100% by zero-emission buses
  • A local programme of consumer awareness and education to address the barriers to adoption of EVs and alternative transport services
  • The impacts of climate change on infrastructure build and maintenance
To learn what practical assistance TRL can offer in the preparation of a climate emergency strategy, continue to the next page.

Find further detail of our consultancy activities in our paper: Decarbonising Transport. Of specific interest to Local Authorities, Universities and NHS Trusts are:

  • Calculating the GHG emissions for the local transport system as a component of the whole energy system for the area, providing an evidence base of current % contribution to the regional or UK total
  • Auditing and refining the accuracy of existing models provided by local energy authorities and suppliers.
  • Feasibility studies of transition to a different energy system infrastructure
  • Net zero carbon plans, strategies and technology roadmaps, differentiated for rural and urban areas
  • Climate adaptation & resilience modelling in accordance with ISO 14090/14092, using tools that assesses the likelihood, frequency and severity impact of future climate change scenarios on local transport infrastructure (road, rail, shipping, aviation) and planned developments
  • Technology evaluation and monitoring for fleet operators  
  • Programmes to stimulate behavioural changes by consumers




 

 

 

 

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