Putting numbers on the vehicle emission dilemma
ISST is providing the framework for Australia to control the
environmental impact of motor vehicles.
National authorities are using detailed modelling by ISST scientists to
better understand patterns of greenhouse and air toxic emissions from
road transport and make the best responses from a range of policy and
infrastructure options.
In one major project ISST was commissioned by the national Bureau of
Transport and Regional Economics to assess the impact of freight
vehicles on emission performance. By calibrating overseas models with
the best available national data the team achieved a degree of precision
not previously seen in Australia. When applied to Sydney’s metropolitan
area, the new models clearly showed which roads were most affected by
vehicle emissions under the different options allowing informed
decisions to be made about transport policies.
The need is great. Transport is now responsible for 14% of Australia’s
greenhouse emissions and is the second fastest growing “problem” sector,
with a growth of almost 30% since 1990.
ISST has subsequently been involved with large-scale investigations of
the in-service fuel and emissions performance of the Australian private
motor vehicle. Fuel consumption and emissions testing of over 300
vehicles is now under way in Perth.