Sustainable transport

We humans use the majority of our energy—and create the most greenhouse gases— moving from one place to another and using petroleum to fuel our vehicles. While environmental regulations in many countries have reduced individual vehicle emissions, and hybrid and biofuel-powered vehicles are growing in popularity, individuals and automakers still have a long way to go to achieve sustainable transport.

Sustainable transport is all about minimizing fuel consumption and emissions of carbon dioxide and pollutants. It can consist of public transportation options or renewable energy-powered vehicles utilizing biofuels, hydrogen and electricity. Offsetting the use of fossil fuels not only benefits the environment, but will also lead to greater energy independence.

Sustainability in action

We must reduce the amount of fossil fuels we use for transportation—for our energy independence and for our environment. We can do this through improved transportation, cleaner fuels and technologies, telecommunications, smart urban development and policy decisions that promote these choices.

Indeed, it’s easy to want to rely on technology to make these advances for us, but the truth is, sustainable transportation is more about behavioral choices—that is, developing a set of reinforcers that promote and encourage individuals to opt for non-polluting, green methods of transport.

There are many ways to do this, some rather obvious and others less so. Public transportation, car sharing, walking and cycling are all forms of sustainable transport. You can also try to avoid flying at night, when aircraft condensation trails contribute to global warming. In the daytime, these "contrails" exert a cooling effect because they reflect the suns’ rays back into space, as do other high, thin clouds.

Also, set your cruise control when you can. This mid-1940’s invention is not only a relief to tired legs, but also an energy-conscious choice. Traveling at a constant speed can produce a fuel savings of 5 to 10 percent.

ACCIONA's commitment

As a company, ACCIONA literally walks the walk by providing incentives for its employees to carpool, take public transportation or bike to work. ACCIONA is also developing biofuels that can power cars and trucks to further reduce the use of petroleum. In Pamplona, Spain, we produce biofuels that power the bus system.

Of course, it’s not all about vehicles. Sustainable transport is also about how we build roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure. ACCIONA Infrastructures is currently developing the A-30 Châteauguay-Vaudreuil-Dorion Toll Road connecting Quebec City and Montreal, Canada. We are committed to going beyond the Environmental Impact Study requirements, taking into account emissions, waste management, raw materials and natural resources.