As vehicle emissions and air pollution are directly proportional to fuel consumption, a decrease in fuel usage would lead to lower emissions and less atmospheric pollution. Because fuel economy is related to vehicle size, the shift to energy-efficient cars would also reduce the demand for road and parking spaces. The project will also measure the relative saving in fossil fuel consumption, reduction in vehicle emissions, and road and parking expansion, depending on different levels of public transport usage. Data for this latter research will be drawn primarily from the Victorian Activity and Travel Survey started by the Transport Research Centre in December 1993. The survey is continuing today.
Annual responses amount to about five thousand households.
Dr Booi Kam said the sustainable futures project does not seek to explore all feasible alternatives, but to demonstrate how two simple changes can bring fuel savings, produce cleaner air and reduce congestion and parking space. Nor will it look into the logistics involved in bringing about such changes. The current focus is on instilling a sense of awareness among policy makers and planners the magnitude of plausible environmental improvements achievable with the scenarios. Indeed, this research could have very significant effects on transport around the world, especially in developing countries such as India and China where non-motorised transport is being gradually replaced by motorised. The summit will draw together national and international industry leaders, policy-makers and researchers to focus on emerging economic opportunities for environmental improvement and employment growth.