How can you account for the impact of transportation in an environmental impact assessment?

Transportation is a major source of environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, noise, and land use. If you are conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a project that involves transportation, you need to account for these impacts in a systematic and transparent way. In this article, you will learn how to use some common methods and tools to estimate and evaluate the impact of transportation in an EIA.

1 Life cycle assessment

One of the most comprehensive methods to account for the impact of transportation is life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA is a technique that considers the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling. LCA can help you quantify the impacts of different transportation modes, such as road, rail, air, or water, as well as the impacts of the vehicles, fuels, and infrastructure involved. LCA can also help you compare different transportation scenarios and identify the best options to reduce environmental impacts.

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Polina Sali
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Accounting for the impact of transportation in an environmental impact assessment can be effectively done through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This method evaluates the environmental impacts of transportation modes and infrastructure throughout their entire life cycle, enabling comparisons and identification of lower-impact alternatives. LCA takes into account factors like emissions, resource use, and energy consumption from production to disposal.

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2 Carbon footprint

Another method to account for the impact of transportation is carbon footprint. Carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by a product, service, or activity. Carbon footprint can help you estimate the contribution of transportation to climate change, which is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Carbon footprint can also help you set targets and track progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

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Polina Sali
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Carbon footprint Another method to account for the impact of transportation is carbon footprint. Carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by a product, service, or activity. Carbon footprint can help you estimate the contribution of transportation to climate change, which is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Carbon footprint can also help you set targets and track progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

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3 Environmental indicators

A third method to account for the impact of transportation is environmental indicators. Environmental indicators are variables that reflect the state or change of the environment, such as air quality, noise levels, biodiversity, or land use. Environmental indicators can help you monitor and assess the impact of transportation on specific environmental aspects, such as human health, ecosystems, or natural resources. Environmental indicators can also help you communicate the impact of transportation to stakeholders and the public.

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4 Tools and data sources

To apply these methods, some tools and data sources can help you collect, analyze, and report the impact of transportation. An example is SimaPro, a software tool that can perform LCA and carbon footprint calculations for transportation and other sectors. GREET is another model developed by the US Department of Energy that can estimate the life cycle emissions and energy use of transportation fuels and vehicles. Additionally, EMEP/EEA is a guidebook produced by the European Environment Agency which can help you estimate the emissions of air pollutants from transportation and other sources. INM is a model developed by the US Federal Aviation Administration to predict the noise impact of aircraft operations. Lastly, CORINE is a database maintained by the European Environment Agency that can assess land use and land cover changes caused by transportation and other activities. By using these methods and tools, you can better understand the environmental consequences of transportation and make more informed and sustainable decisions.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you account for the impact of transportation in an environmental impact assessment?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Life cycle assessment

2 Carbon footprint

3 Environmental indicators

4 Tools and data sources

5 Here’s what else to consider

Sustainable Design

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How can you account for the impact of transportation in an environmental impact assessment?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Life cycle assessment

2 Carbon footprint

3 Environmental indicators

4 Tools and data sources

5 Here’s what else to consider

Sustainable Design

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