Making more sustainable transport choices when it comes to the daily commute not only helps to reduce your personal emissions, it also promotes health and wellbeing and contributes to many other sustainability outcomes.
Cut your commuting emissions in 5 steps
Here are some ideas to help you make the switch today!
- Get active. If you live close to your destination, put feet to pavement and get your daily step count up. Active transport could also mean running, cycling, scootering or even rollerblading, so take your pick with an activity that suits you! UQ supports active transport with end-of-trip facilities and many local councils provide maps of connected cycled pathways or best routes.
- Consider e-mobility. Another great alternative to cars on the road is e-mobility devices, including e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards. Whether you bring your own or use a shared device, UQ provides guidelines to help keep everyone safe on campus. E-mobility devices can also be a great way of solving the first-mile/last-mile public transport challenge.
- Hail a bus. Or hop on a train, metro or ferry! If you live in metropolitan areas, public transport can be one of the best ways to reduce your commuting emissions, as you’re effectively removing another vehicle from the road. Plus, it can often be more convenient and less stressful than driving in peak-hour traffic.
- Use the power of electricity. For those who drive a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV), UQ has charging stations to help make your journey easier. Even though EV prices remain higher than some petrol or diesel vehicles for now, they are decreasing. Plus, lifetime costs can be less, when you factor in fuel and other expenses. And while EVs may still have some emissions impact (depending on you charge them), they produce around half the lifetime emissions of a standard fuel vehicle.
- Optimise your route. If using your own car is your only practical option, see if you can plan your trip to avoid congested areas or peak-hour traffic to minimise overall travel time. You may also be able to consider options like running errands on the way rather than taking separate trips. Or, ask a neighbour if they would like to car pool.
Interested in finding out more? These tips are compiled using information from the following sources: World Resources Institute, Department of State Development and Infrastructure, Brisbane City Council, Green Vehicle Guide.
Understanding the problem
Transport emissions from commuting to and from campus or work in fuel- or diesel-powered vehicles result in the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), into the atmosphere. This intensifies climate change, which can lead to more extreme weather events, rising temperatures and sea levels, and disruptions to our ecosystems.
According to the Climate Council, transport is the fastest-growing contributor to climate pollution in Australia, accounting for more than 22% of the country’s total emissions. In fact, Australian cars emit about the same as Queensland’s entire electricity supply.
In Brisbane, transport accounts for around half of the total carbon footprint of a typical household, Brisbane City Council says.
Understanding your impact
Every commute counts in saving CO2! Swapping your keys for pedals or sneakers, or opting for transport solutions that minimise commuting emissions, might be easier than you think.
Commuting challenges, for example, provide the perfect opportunity for individuals or groups to curb their carbon footprint by actively choosing to take public transport, walk, cycle or rideshare for a set period, while engaging in some friendly competition.
It may seem like a small step, but it could be the catalyst for you to introduce some new habits and make a more lasting change.
To help you better understand your individual impact, the Australian Government has created a fuel cost and CO2 calculator. You can estimate your annual fuel costs and CO2 emissions, based on your vehicle’s fuel consumption and the distance you typically travel each year. You might be surprised by your results.
You can also find a range of other calculators online to help count your carbon footprint.
Where to next?
This is part of our DIY sustainability series, created for UQ Sustainability Week and beyond. The series offers simple suggestions and fun activities for students, staff and members of the public who would like to increase sustainability-related actions in their daily lives.