Net Zero Transportation

The transformation of our transport systems to achieve net zero is one of the most significant challenges facing today’s society. Yet it also brings great opportunity to stem the impacts of climate change and create a powerful legacy for future generations.

Transport can be a Net Zero catalyst for change

Globally, the transport sector accounts for roughly 24% of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Transport modes spanning road, rail, sea, and air generate more emissions than any other energy using sector, with road transport leading the way.

For all its challenges, transport can be the catalyst for change. Improving the mobility of people across our cities and regions is critical where new technologies, policies and business models are connecting our communities like never before. While we are already seeing rapid change in this sector, the impacts of climate change are all too real and the speed of transition needs to happen sooner.

Alternative Fuels

Alternative fuels such as green hydrogen are emerging as viable net-zero alternatives to electrification particularly for transport modes such as trucks, buses, trains and ships where electrifying is much harder. Hydrogen benefits from ease of refueling which is important for industries reliant on heavy-haul freight. It also has commercial benefits over green electricity due to its export potential.

Electric Vehicles

Low-carbon vehicles, powered by electricity, offer an alternative to conventional fossil-fuel technologies. The electrification of the road vehicles offers individuals an opportunity to reduce CO² emissions and more broadly eases demand of oil.

Zero-Emissions Buses

Battery-Electric buses are being rolled out to great success, particularly in urban environments. They promote health and environmental benefits from reduced emissions and better air quality while also promising commuters a safer and smoother journey.

Click here to find out more information about our expertise in buses.

Our expertise in Net Zero Transport

ALCAM Pedestrian Model

Our signature projects

Our Approach

To help our clients transition towards a Net Zero transport future, SYSTRA takes a holistic approach that addresses the long-term viability of the project as well as the environmental sustainability of the transport system. We can assist our clients across all modes of transport including road, rail, sea, and air.

Sustainability and climate change resilience will be embedded into all our transportation projects. We work with our clients and partners to account for the direct impacts of climate change such as air pollution and emissions, noise, waste, water management, biodiversity, heritage and social effects as well as the indirect impacts that are caused by energy and resources embodied within the project.

Our approach to net-zero transport is headlined by a specific focus on the following areas:

Whole-of-life approach

The focus of carbon emissions throughout the infrastructure lifecycle has intensified in recent times. With the lifetime of a transport system often spanning more than 100 years, an early focus on in-built carbon is paramount. To address challenges such as this we’ve developed specific technological innovations such as our CARBONTRACKER, a web application that can help engineering teams integrate lifecycle carbon from the early design stages and throughout the entire design and construction process of an infrastructure.

Designing for an energy transition

Net zero transport considers the production, distribution and use of energy in transport systems with the aim of reducing environmental impacts. SYSTRA draws on its deep expertise in electrification to assist with planning and design through to operation and maintenance. We work with our clients to define, achieve, and adapt our approach to suit the project needs. We have also developed digital tools such as TESS to assist with our clients energy transition needs.

Risk management

Such significant change brings risk. Whether it is operational, commercial, or legal, SYSTRA works with our clients to manage needs and develop strategies that enable a smooth and effective transition. Risks include understanding the carbon baseline, setting targets and pathways to stress-testing Net Zero projects, aligning with the Paris Agreement and securing funding.

Resilience and Critical Infrastructure

The resilience of critical infrastructure refers to the ability to withstand, adapt and recover positively from shocks and stresses. SYSTRA helps our clients plan, develop requirements, design and build infrastructure systems so that they will continue to operate and survive during shocks or service interruptions.