The pathway to sustainable passenger transport: a life cycle perspective of decarbonisation strategies

Abstract

This thesis confronts the pressing challenge of mitigating transportation emissions in the face of escalating global mobility demands. It leverages Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to explore strategies for curbing the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of both private and public vehicles in urban environments. Comparative studies underscore a striking 23% increase in emissions within urban settings compared to rural ones. Simulated scenarios within a medium-sized city reveal the potential for substantial emissions reductions, reaching up to 64.28%, through interventions like limiting daily trips and expanding public transportation options.Furthermore, the research evaluates optimal replacement times for petrol cars, showcasing the importance of running electric vehicles with renewable energy in order to make them efficient alternatives. This work underscores the significance of tailored policies that account for social behaviour, commuting patterns, and specific environmental concerns, essential for achieving successful low-carbon urban transportation solutions.