You’re worried about the environmental impact of transportation. How can you measure it effectively?

2 Environmental indicators

Another tool that can help you measure the environmental impact of transportation is environmental indicators. Environmental indicators are variables that represent or summarize the state or trend of a specific environmental aspect, such as climate change, air quality, noise, or biodiversity. Environmental indicators can help you monitor and communicate the environmental performance of transportation systems, and evaluate the progress and effectiveness of your goals and actions. For example, you can use indicators such as carbon footprint, vehicle miles traveled, modal split, or exposure to noise to track the environmental impact of transportation in your area.

3 Geographic information systems

A third tool that can help you measure the environmental impact of transportation is geographic information systems (GIS). GIS are computer-based systems that store, manipulate, analyze, and display spatial data and information. GIS can help you visualize and map the environmental impact of transportation in different locations and scenarios, and integrate various data sources and models. For example, you can use GIS to estimate and display the emission and dispersion of pollutants from transportation sources, the land use and habitat changes due to transportation infrastructure, or the vulnerability and adaptation of transportation systems to climate change.

4 Environmental impact assessment

A fourth tool that can help you measure the environmental impact of transportation is environmental impact assessment (EIA). EIA is a process that identifies, predicts, evaluates, and mitigates the significant environmental effects of a proposed project, plan, or policy. EIA can help you ensure that the environmental consequences of transportation projects are considered and addressed before they are implemented, and that the public and stakeholders are involved and informed. For example, you can use EIA to assess and minimize the potential impacts of a new highway, airport, or rail line on the surrounding environment and communities.

5 Environmental management systems

A fifth tool that can help you measure the environmental impact of transportation is environmental management systems (EMS). EMS are frameworks that help organizations plan, implement, monitor, and improve their environmental performance and compliance. EMS can help you establish and follow best practices and standards for managing the environmental aspects of transportation activities, such as energy use, waste generation, emission control, or resource conservation. For example, you can use EMS to set and achieve environmental objectives and targets, conduct regular audits and reviews, and report and communicate your environmental results and improvements.

6 Environmental accounting

A sixth tool that can help you measure the environmental impact of transportation is environmental accounting. Environmental accounting is a method that integrates environmental costs and benefits into the financial and economic analysis of transportation decisions and policies. Environmental accounting can help you internalize and reflect the true environmental value and impact of transportation options, and provide incentives and signals for more sustainable choices and behaviors. For example, you can use environmental accounting to calculate and compare the full social costs and benefits of different transportation modes, such as road, rail, or air, and to design and implement environmental taxes, fees, or subsidies.