Tag Archive: Sustainable Policy Making

  1. Sofia’s SUMP 2019-2035: Addressing Urban Mobility Challenges

    Comments Off on Sofia’s SUMP 2019-2035: Addressing Urban Mobility Challenges

    Source: Eltis

    The Urban Mobility Observatory, ELTIS, presents the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan case study of Sofia, Bulgaria.

    Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, is experiencing rapid growth which is contributing towards a strained transport system, and unappealing livability. Despite being a desirable place to live and work, increased congestion and air pollution challenges this. To combat these issues, Sofia is taking action to transition towards a more sustainable mobility system, a complex task given the population’s persistent perception of cars as essential and/or prestigious. The city employs a collaborative approach, focusing on information sharing and cooperation to gradually foster sustainable transport solutions and behaviors.

    Sofia, the country’s economic hub, produces around 43% of Bulgaria’s GDP. Officially, it has about 1.3 million inhabitants, but estimates put the actual number between 1.6 and 1.8 million due to unregistered residents and commuters from nearby cities. Many commuters travel by car to the city center, where much of the economic activity is centered. High traffic has led to daily congestion and increased levels of air pollution. Car ownership has surged over the past three decades, with 663 cars per 1,000 inhabitants. The number of vehicles registered per capita in Sofia is one of the highest in Europe. A large proportion of the vehicles in use are older and therefore more polluting, the area has significant air pollution issues. It is estimated according to recent studies, that the health and economic costs of air pollution are equivalent to more than 10% of the city’s GDP.

    Objectives

    To address these challenges, Sofia adopted a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) in 2019. The SUMP aims to achieve 5 main objectives by 2035:

    1. To reduce the negative consequences of transport development for the population and the environment.
    2. To enhance the attractiveness of the urban environment and increase the living standards of the population.
    3. To implement transport innovations to strengthen local mobility and economic development.
    4. To foster the safety of the population in the city’s transport system.
    5. To build an integrated and accessible-to-all transport network.

    Residents can also contribute to the development of the SUMP through an interactive platform designed to allow people to submit their suggestions for projects or activities, in addition to providing feedback for planned actions.

    To achieve these objectives, the plan recognizes that there need to be attractive alternatives in place to persuade people to make more sustainable mobility choices, including the development of existing walking and cycling networks.

    The Plan In Action

    Several initiatives were launched including, expanding cycling infrastructure from a 55.5km bicycle network in 2019 to 160km by 2025, introducing on-demand green public transport, and constructing a ‘Green Ring’ cycling path encircling the city center, thus improving mobility to over 30 neighborhoods. Currently, 5 major cycle lanes are under construction.

    Sofia has also adopted a programme for pavement renovations, as well as stricter parking enforcement throughout the city. The parking policy in the city’s new SUMP employs the idea that parking is a service that uses public resources and should therefore not be free, in 2021 controlled parking zones were significantly extended, and it is planned that the increased revenues from this will be used to fund pavement renewal, and public transport investments.

    Improving public transport is a key requirement to increase its usage. Sofia plans to gradually invest in transport services including buses, trams, and a metro. Over the past decade, Sofia’s metro network has extended significantly, with the latest extension opening in 2020. The network currently consists of 4 lines and 47 stations.

    Additionally, the Bulgarian capital is pioneering toward a green public transport fleet, in addition to the development of an integrated ticketing system. Special tickets have been introduced giving the public free access to the city by public transport when air pollution is either high or extremely high in an attempt to further discourage car usage. A unique initiative is the ‘Sofia Coin’ mobile app, which encourages active transport by rewarding users for choosing eco-friendly modes including, cycling, walking, and scooters. The data collected from the app is fed into mainstream mobility infrastructure planning.

    To further curb increasing car ownership, shared mobility services are also encouraged. Sofia is part of European projects like SUSMO to promote shared mobility deployment and public-private sector cooperation. The city’s Digital Transformation Strategy supports mobility management, including the development of platforms for car-pooling, flexible pricing models, and real-time data-driven transport planning.

    Looking to the Future

    While the long-term impact of the SUMP is still unfolding, Sofia’s approach to data-driven cooperation, and sustainable infrastructure development, provides valuable insights for other cities grappling with similar mobility challenges. Achieving sustainable mobility is a work in progress and there is no doubt more can be done. Previous actions may help with future actions including the introduction of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Previous attempts to implement this have failed in the past, but in 2023 a decision to try again and create a LEZ zone was approved.

    There has been improved awareness amongst the public and stakeholders due to the actions of the STUMP regarding the importance of taking action to reduce traffic and the air pollution it causes. Simaltanously, a start has been made in developing transport alternatives. Providing drivers with high quality sustainable mobility options will help reduce how dependent the public are on cars.

    Sofias STUMP has created a vision of alternatives for its residents, with each implemented action the alternatives improve, and people have more sustainable options.

    Challenges, Opportunities, and Transferability

    While every city is unique, attempts to replicate strategies do not necessarily guarantee success, Sofia offers valuable insights that could benefit other locations. Sofia’s method of collecting and sharing data has not only furnished vital information for planning and decision-making, but has also fostered better collaboration among stakeholders from diverse policy domains, and the private sector. Engaging with the private sector can stimulate the creation of novel mobility innovations, which should be evaluated based on their alignment with public policy objectives.

    Digital tools for mobility services also play a crucial role in driving behavioral change. These innovative applications have garnered substantial media attention and heightened awareness about viable mobility solutions. Nonetheless, in the absence of basic mobility infrastructure, and effective policies to deter excessive car use, it is unlikely that a large shift in transport modes will occur. The SUMP does however, set the course for an integrated approach. Starting with its development, each progressive step outlined within the SUMP moves the city closer to implementing measures for enhanced sustainable mobility.

  2. Political opposition to 2035 combustion engine legislation comes too late

    Comments Off on Political opposition to 2035 combustion engine legislation comes too late

    Source: EURACTIV, S. Goulding Carroll

    The European Parliament’s ballot to ban the sales of new petrol and diesel engine vehicles from 2035 has been opposed by a number of national politicians and MEPs, who comment that the move is a disastrous strain. Despite their energised concerns, it is almost inconceivable that the treaty will be reversed.

    The European Union’s directive is regarded as too complex and authoritative for many politicians to involve themselves in, significant when considering it affects all of Europe. However, by taking on board the research and understanding the statistics, it can be considered that more support can be generated and less blame directed to the EU.

    Politicians have an ability to accuse Brussels-based bureaucrats as being out-of-touch with citizens, and passing legislations to win favour with specific European country leaders. This stance can be viewed as unfounded considering that democracy is adhered to, and every member state has a chance to oppose European Commission legislations. Consensus from each country is pursued in the majority of cases.

    A recent example of opposition to the 2035 bid was submitted by Italy’s Transport Minister, Matteo Salvini, who remarked that the change to EVs was “suicide”, supported by Foreign Minister Antomio Tajamni who is proposing a bid to save the combustion engine. Unfortunately for these (and other) opposing politicians, the Italian government under Marion Draghi had already agreed to the EU directive.

    The European Parliament’s largest political group, the EPP, also condemned the 2035 combustion engine ban, with German legislator Jens Gieseke commenting, “Europe is driving its automotive industry towards a dead end. Today’s decision on banning combustion engines will make new cars more expensive, cost thousands of jobs and lead to the decline of a core European industry”.

    Because the ballot has already been passed, it is regarded that such criticism is aired to win favour with the local communities who are perhaps opposed to Green and Socialist parties’ directives, and will come to nothing.

  3. The 2023 Annual POLIS Conference will take place 29-30 November in Leuven, Belgium

    Comments Off on The 2023 Annual POLIS Conference will take place 29-30 November in Leuven, Belgium

    Source: POLIS Network

    Europe’s leading sustainable urban mobility event returns in 2023, after a record-breaking 2022 conference.

    The annual event provides an opportunity for cities and regions to showcase their transport achievements to a large audience of mobility experts, practitioners, and decision-makers, both public and private.

    Visit the POLIS website and learn more, here.

    Regarding the host city, and current President, Leuven, the Polis Network shared: “Leuven, Belgium, is a mission-driven city that excels through inspiring governance models and the systems put in place for the public to innovate and get involved in critical decision-making processes. Dynamic and diverse, Leuven is at the forefront of innovation: indeed, the European Commission awarded the city as the 2020 European Capital of Innovation for its unique cooperation model — one that unites residents, institutions, and organisations and allows them to co-innovate, test, and apply groundbreaking solutions to fight climate change, foster the quality of life and education, and promote a sustainable, accessible, and inclusive mobility system.“

  4. Groningen shares the secrets to smooth and sustainable city logistics

    Comments Off on Groningen shares the secrets to smooth and sustainable city logistics

    Source: Mobility Innovation Marketplace, L. Steinberg

    The city of Groningen, the Netherlands, is lauded as an innovator when considering sustainable urban logistics. Following an informative keynote by Lior Steinberg, we now share some of the city’s successes.

    Have you ever considered exactly what goes on out of sight in our cities, that enables us to enjoy the comfort and luxuries of everyday life that we have all become accustomed to? At the touch of a button, we can have orders delivered straight to our door. This delivery system or, urban logistics, is a complex but very productive network and we all love it. But sometimes it doesn’t function perfectly, and this can affect all of us.

    Factors to consider when contemplating urban logistics include traffic congestion and pollution. Some cities have been proactive and addressed such issues – one example being Groningen in The Netherlands. In a quest to improve standards of living, Groningen has been making improvements for decades and is keen to share its strategy for a sustainable city.

    Timing. Perhaps the most logical of all improvements, Groningen has capped the delivery times for cargo and delivery vehicles in specific areas of the city. Deliveries are now only possible between 5am and 12pm unless via a dedicated permit. Rush hour congestion is aided and thus, pollution levels drop, as do the often-forgotten noise pollution levels. Concise planning is required by those using delivery services – particularly businesses – and a faster-flowing network functions well. The strategy has been in place in certain areas for a number of years, but as of 2023, it applies to the entire city, one that is dedicated to improved social activities for those who visit.

    Polluting vehicles. Some might regard this as an obvious strategy, but Groningen has gone that little bit further than most. From 2025, only electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles and those under human power will be allowed in the city.

    Hubs and last-mile implementation. Groningen has constructed several last-mile hubs around the city. Multiple goods are transferred to these hubs by transport services, at which point electric cargo bikes and sustainable methods take over the handling of deliveries to their final destination.

    Cargo Bikes. The relationship which the Netherlands has with bicycles is globally recognised, particularly in Europe. As a nation of devotees of this mode of transport in everyday life, cargo bikes with their sustainable and practical approach have been championed in the country. Now with constantly-developing electric drive systems, deliveries of many sizes will be made faster and more economically distributed.

    Knowledge and collaboration. Keen to expand its founded success, and in a quest to improve our way of life, Groningen has shared its strategies with other European cities. Their approaches have been widely published and projects including Intereg’s Smart Urban Freight Logistics Hubs and Horizon’s Urban Logistics as an On-demand Service have been included in Groningen’s agendas. Let’s hope other cities take advantage of this knowledge.

  5. New WEEE data gives insight into collection and recycling rates

    Comments Off on New WEEE data gives insight into collection and recycling rates

    Source: European Commission, Directorate-General for Environment

    Close to half of all waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) across Europe is not properly processed.

    New figures include data for WEEE that is difficult to gather information for, and therefore may not have been previously reported to the European Commission under WEEE Directive obligations. These regulations aim to address environmental concerns by promoting sustainable production and consumption, particularly in light of the growing number of discarded electronic items.

    Electronic waste contains a complex mixture of materials, some of which are hazardous. These can cause major environmental and health problems if the discarded devices are not managed properly. In addition, modern electronics contain rare and expensive resources, which can be recycled and reused if the waste is effectively managed. This is of course a priority when considering the finite resources available for manufacturing.

    The law regarding WEEE

    Secondary law

  6. E-fuels only able to supply 2% of European car fleet by 2035, study claims

    Comments Off on E-fuels only able to supply 2% of European car fleet by 2035, study claims

    Source: Euractiv, S. G. Carroll

    A new study claims that the low production levels associated with e-fuels, a hydrogen-derived fuel source advertised as a green solution for combustion engine vehicles, means that the alternative will only be able to cover 2% of the EU’s vehicle fleet.

    The analysis, carried out by clean mobility NGO Transport & Environment (T&E), predicts that e-fuel production will still be in its infancy by the time the draft EU ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars is enacted. Due to the theoretically carbon-neutral status of e-fuels (CO2 is captured for production), fuel manufacturers and automotive industry figures have pushed for the official classification as a petrol/diesel green alternative by European lawmakers.

    Essentially, this would extend the sell-by date of combustion engine vehicles beyond the current 2035 EU deadline. However, as suggested by the T&E study, this is not a viable alternative – just 5 million cars out of the EU’s fleet of 287 million could fully run on synthetic fuel in 2035.

    Yoann Gimbert, an e-mobility analyst at T&E, rejected claims that e-fuels represent a clean solution for cars, calling synthetic fuels a “Trojan Horse for the fossil fuel industry”.

    “E-fuels are presented as a carbon-neutral way to prolong the life of combustion engine technology. But the industry’s own data shows there will only be enough for a tiny fraction of cars on the road,” he said.

    On the other hand, the FuelsEurope trade association has referred to the analysis as “disingenuous and deeply misguided“. John Cooper, FuelsEurope Director General, argued that focusing on e-fuels only misses the trade association’s larger point, which is that a range of technologies and feedstocks can be deployed to decarbonize road transport beyond 2035, leading to a broader and more stable approach.

    Negotiations are currently underway between EU institutions to finalize CO2 emission standards for cars and vans, with the next round of discussions set to take place on 27 October, and the role of e-fuels sure to be a hot topic. Read the full Euractiv analysis here.

  7. LEVA-EU member Bird Publishes Independent Vehicle Life Cycle Analysis, Setting a New Standard for Emissions Reporting Quality

    Comments Off on LEVA-EU member Bird Publishes Independent Vehicle Life Cycle Analysis, Setting a New Standard for Emissions Reporting Quality

    The report launched in Paris today will be the industry’s first ISO-critically reviewed LCA and indicates ‘Bird Three micro-EV’ is among the lowest emission vehicles in Europe, with a five-year lifespan.

    Bird Global, Inc., a leader in environmentally friendly electric transportation, today announced a major micromobility milestone as the company is set to become the first operator to achieve an ISO-critically reviewed vehicle Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), prompting a new industry standard and enabling reliable comparisons across European modes and vehicles. 

    Bird’s cradle-to-grave LCA report confirms that the Bird Three, the company’s latest and most sustainable vehicle, has a lifespan of up to five years after refurbishment and is among the most climate-friendly vehicles on the road in European cities – including other shared modes and public transport. Travelers in European cities who take a Bird Three account for on average approximately 21% less greenhouse gas emissions per kilometer than taking the metro, 77% less than driving a gas-powered car, and 87% less than taking a ride-hail car.

    The LCA emissions model was reviewed and documented by Ramboll, an independent Denmark-based engineering and consulting company, specializing in sustainability and corporate responsibility.  The LCA is being critically reviewed by EarthShift Global, a third-party ISO expert, to ensure that the methods, data, and analysis are consistent with ISO standards for LCA. Bird’s LCA is also one of the industry’s first aligned with the New Urban Mobility Alliance’s (NUMO) forthcoming LCA guide for cities. 

    Manufacturing and assembly of Bird’s electric scooters is included within the LCA along with additional manufacturing of components for replacements, transportation of vehicles to target European cities, charging and fleet management, and scooters’ disposal at end-of-life.  Conservatively, the LCA takes no credit for Bird’s renewable energy credits, carbon offsets, or robust program of end-of-life recycling. 

    The hardware and software powering Bird Three have been expertly crafted to create the most eco-conscious shared e-scooter available with best-in-class durability. Features include Aerospace-grade aluminum and the Bird Three’s proprietary battery system which travels farther on fewer charges, with industry-leading IP68-rated battery protection to keep it safe from dust and water. The vehicle also boasts independently tested and verified impact resistance; pneumatic tires and smart acceleration technology to reduce wear and tear. 

    “Bird’s LCA sets a new industry standard for emissions reporting quality, enabling reliable comparisons across European modes and vehicles, and helping Bird to identify and reduce emissions wherever possible,” Shane Torchiana, CEO, Bird. “Not only does this work further demonstrate our commitment towards the planet, but is a call to action for all other operators to follow the same standard so that together, we can address misconceptions around vehicle lifecycles and educate our city stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions when selecting a responsible micromobilty partner.”

    “By following expert recommendations and best-practice methods for their LCA, Bird is demonstrating leadership in their commitment to rigorous, transparent greenhouse gas emissions reporting, which will enable city governments to make more informed decisions and – if widely adopted – enable emissions reductions across the micromobility sector,” Leah Lazer, Research Associate, New Urban Mobility alliance (NUMO), World Resources Institute.

  8. Powers to enact 30km/h low-speed zones demanded by over 260 German cities

    Comments Off on Powers to enact 30km/h low-speed zones demanded by over 260 German cities

    Source: TheMayor.eu, D. Balgaranov

    Municipalities in Germany are unable to issue their own maximum speed laws, impacting the success of liveable city initiatives.

    In 2021, 7 German cities announced a new initiative, advocating for the right of municipalities to set their own speed limits. Since the founding cities of Aachen, Augsburg, Freiburg, Hanover, Leipzig, Münster, and Ulm sparked the conversation, 263 municipalities have declared their support.

    The ‘Liveable cities through appropriate speeds’ initiative focuses on the central right to enact 30km/h low-speed zones. The basis for this rests on the idea that liveability and quality of life are closely associated with public spaces and the interaction between motor and pedestrian traffic in these areas. Low-speed zones have been shown to reduce noise pollution, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide pollution and decrease the risk of fatal injuries in the areas they are enacted.

    The initiative’s four demands, signed off by mayors, city councilors responsible for mobility and urban development, and urban planning departments are:

    • A commitment to a turnaround in mobility (away from personal vehicles and towards other means of transportation) and quality of life measures in cities.
    • A 30km/h speed for motor vehicle traffic, including on main roads, is an integral part of a sustainable, city-wide mobility concept and a strategy for upgrading public spaces.
    • Petition the federal government to immediately create the legal prerequisites for municipalities to be able to order a maximum speed limit of 30 km/h where the municipalities deem necessary.
    • A funding model for research projects to determine the individual aspects, benefits, and effects of this regulation, to improve the application of this principle.

  9. EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK 2022 – registration and theme

    Comments Off on EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK 2022 – registration and theme

    Towns and cities are warmly invited to participate in EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK, which takes place from 16-22 September each year. The theme for 2022 is ‘Better Connections’

    Registration is now open to the official local authority of towns or cities that may wish to participate.

    The registration portal can be found via the Mobility Week Website.

    Participating areas are encouraged to organize activities focusing on sustainable mobility, implement progressive transport measures, and host a ‘car-free day’.

    “The EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK 2022 annual theme, ‘Better connections’, seeks to highlight and foster synergies between people and places that are offering their expertise, creativity, and dedication to raising awareness about sustainable mobility and promoting behavioral change in favor of active mobility, in addition to reaching out and making connections between existing groups and new audiences.”

    The five pillars of ‘Better connections’ are:

    • People
    • Places
    • Packages
    • Planning & Policy

    Download the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK thematic guidelines document here.

Campaign success

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Member profile

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.