Road haulage, climate and the environment – Achievements, positions and methods
ITD . International Transport Danmark . Lyren 1 . DK-6330 Padborg . Tel. +45 7467 1233 . itd@itd.dk . www.itd.dk
Published by ITD International Transport Danmark Lyren 1 DK-6330 Padborg tel.: +45 7467 1233 www.itd.dk Layout and composition: ITD Printing: Silkeborg Bogtryk September 2009
Contents Preface ........................................................................ 5 1. CO2, SO2, NOX, particles ‌ what do they actually mean? . 7 2. Our contribution to a better climate and environment .. 11 TECHNOLOGIES ....................................................... 11 Lorries are now more environment-friendly Lorries now use less fuel Lorries are now lighter and can carry greater loads The importance of air and rolling resistance IT improves efficiency and saves CO2 Alternative fuels and engine technologies BEHAVIOUR ............................................................. 18 Haulage companies' efforts save CO2 Eco-driving pays off We learn from each other INFRASTRUCTURE .................................................... 20 Congestion wastes fuel ITS – Intelligent Transport Systems Nighttime deliveries REGULATIONS ......................................................... 22 More freight per vehicle saves CO2 Low emission zones Road pricing Co-modality 3. The way forward ...................................................... 23 ITD's positions
For further information, please contact ... ITD's environmental consultant Marianne Frank Email: maf@itd.dk Tel.: +45 7467 1233 Or visit www.itd.dk
Preface This booklet describes the climate and environmental challenges facing the road haulage sector and the efforts currently being made by the industry to meet such challenges. Transport is vital for maintaining global employment, prosperity and trade. But the consumption of fossil fuels by the transport sector also creates major challenges relating to climate, the environment and human health, not least in light of the ever increasing need for transportation. The impact of transport has come into sharp focus, and ever tougher restrictions are being imposed on emissions of polluting substances and CO2. More and more companies are facing demands for documentation of their activities concerning climate and the environment – from the authorities, customers, business partners, employees and the media. More and more restrictions are being introduced to limit the emission of hazardous substances from heavy goods vehicles, e.g. the low emission zones and road pricing systems already implemented in several European cities and countries. The EU has imposed strict standards designed to reduce CO2 emissions and increase the use of biofuels, etc. The road haulage sector has strived for many years to reduce its impact on climate and the environment. We do everything we can to ensure that consumers, businesses and manufacturers receive the goods they require as efficiently and environmentally soundly as possible. The sector constantly strives to streamline transport and logistics, among other things by adopting new technologies and methods which supplement the significant improvements already achieved.
ITD International Transport Danmark
5
CO2, SO2, NOX, particles … what do they actually mean?
1 CO2, SO2, NOX, particles
While running, lorries emit CO2 and a variety of other substances that pose a risk to health and the environment. Such substances are usually referred to by their abbreviations – but what do CO2, SO2, NOX, CO, HC and particles actually mean?
... what do they actually mean?
CO2 (carbon dioxide) is a gas that occurs naturally in our atmosphere. Without carbon dioxide and other atmospheric gases, the world would experience a continuous Ice Age. Greenhouse gases, as such gases are known, are capable of retaining heat from the sun. A bit like the glass in a greenhouse.
Did you know that …? ... every litre of diesel
CO2
CO2 is present in the air expired by humans and animals and is also formed in various fermentation processes. It is just the opposite with plants. They absorb CO2 in order to grow. CO2 is thus part of nature's cycle.
consumed produces 2.65 kg CO2.
CO2 is also produced when we burn coal, oil and gas to provide electricity, heating and transport. The more coal, oil and gas we burn, the more CO2 is released to the atmosphere. Such additional CO2 contributes to the greenhouse effect. It allows heat from the sun to penetrate the atmosphere but prevents it from escaping again. The temperature therefore rises and our climate is affected (global warming, changing wind and weather patterns, etc.). In Denmark, approximately 23% of total CO2 emissions come from road transport. Of this, lorries account for roughly one fifth, corresponding to about 5% of total CO2-emissions.
7
1 CO2, SO2, NOX, particles do they actually
SO2
... what
SO2 (sulphur dioxide) is a gas produced during the combustion of fossil fuels in power stations, motor vehicles, etc. When sulphur dioxide comes into contact with atmospheric moisture it is gradually transformed into sulphuric and sulphurous acid. SO2 can thus acidify lakes and soils with low buffering capacity. SO2 can cause respiratory ailments and aggravate asthma and asthmatic bronchitis. The concentration of SO2 in the atmosphere has fallen over the last 20 years as a result of improved flue gas desulphurisation and lower amounts of sulphur in petrol and diesel.
Did you know that ‌? ... every litre of diesel consumed produces 0.02 g SO2.
mean?
NOX
Since 2005, only low-sulphur diesel has been available in Denmark. With a sulphur content of 10 ppm, it corresponds to the quality required throughout the EU from 2009. Previous problems with SO2 emissions from road haulage have therefore been more or less eliminated.
NOX (nitrogen oxides) is a generic term for nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), both of which principally come from vehicle exhaust gases, power stations and incineration plants. NOX is one of the principal precursors of ozone, smog and acid rain, which is damaging to forests, lakes and buildings. NOX is irritating for lungs and respiratory tracts, contributing to breathlessness, reducing lung capacity and increasing the risk of lung infections. NO2 is particularly hazardous for asthma sufferers, children and the elderly.
Did you know that ‌? ... emissions of NOX, CO, HC and particles are regulated by
NOX emissions from lorries have been significantly reduced by the latest technologies (EGR and SCR).
the European Euro standards. ...
8
CO
1 CO (carbon monoxide) is a colourless, odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion. In heavily trafficked streets, 90-95% of CO pollution comes from cars as emissions from petrol engines are much higher than those from diesel engines. CO is oxidised in the atmosphere, forming CO2. At high concentrations, CO can hinder oxygen uptake in the blood. CO can also cause respiratory tract irritation during delays in tunnels or while waiting in traffic jams with open windows. Although CO is not thought to have any direct impact on the environment, it participates in photochemical reactions in the atmosphere, producing other air-polluting substances.
... The standards have
CO2, SO2,
been gradu-
NOX,
ally tight-
particles
ened since
... what
the 1990s,
do they
resulting in
actually
significantly
mean?
reduced
Particles
HC
emissions
HC (hydrocarbons) are produced by incomplete combustion. In reaction with NOX and oxygen, HC can form ozone and cause smog. In addition, some hydrocarbons are carcinogenic.
from lorries.
Particles are microscopic “motes� produced by the combustion of oil, wood or other materials, or by the wear of brakes, tyres and road surfaces. Particles can, however, also come from breaking waves and wind-blown soil. Important sources of particles are motor vehicles and wood-burning stoves. Particles cause serious health problems, especially in cities, including both chronic ailments like cancer and cardiovascular disease and more acute ailments like allergy or irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Particles are classified according to size into coarse, fine or ultrafine particles. The smaller particles are considered to be the most hazardous as they can either accumulate in the lungs (fine particles) or penetrate into the blood stream (ultrafine particles). Various technologies have been developed to reduce particle emissions from lorries. Particle filters can remove more than 80% of the hazardous dust contained in exhaust gases. The number of particles can also be reduced by "modifying" the engine so that more oxygen is provided during combustion, although this method increases NOX emission. Technologies have therefore been developed in which exhaust gases are either recirculated through the combustion chamber (EGR) or led through an NOX catalytic converter (SCR with AdBlue). EGR and SCR have been in use since the Euro 4 standard. 9
1
NOX, particles ... what do they actually
Traffic noise
CO2, SO2,
Traffic noise is defined as unwanted noise from road traffic. It typically includes engine noise and tyre/road surface noise. At speeds of more than 40 km/h, tyre noise usually dominates. Car tyres must be noise approved and marked in accordance with the EU tyre directive. Almost all lorries are presently fitted with low-noise tyres. For people who live in or frequent areas close to heavily used roads, traffic noise can cause irritation, tiredness, concentration difficulties, sleeplessness, stress, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Did you know that ‌? ... 24 modern lorries produce less noise than a single
mean?
lorry from the 1970s.
Sources: dmu.dk, dr.dk (guld og grønne skove), bilviden.dk, lungeforening.dk, astma-allergi.dk Despite increased traffic on Danish and European roads, emissions of hazardous substances from lorry transport have fallen significantly over the last 20-25 years – although emissions of NOX and particles still pose a health problem, especially in urban areas. On the other hand, CO2 emissions have been rising for many years. The increase has, however, been lower than the overall growth in traffic, reflecting the fact that lorries have become more fuel efficient and are better utilised. The decoupling of economic growth and rising energy consumption and CO2 emissions evident in other sectors is more difficult to achieve in the transport sector. This is not only because of a lack of competitive alternatives to fossil fuels but is also due to the increasing demand for transport. In Denmark, approximately 23% of total CO2 emissions come from road transport. Of this, lorries account for roughly one fifth, corresponding to about 5% of total CO2 emissions.
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Our contribution to a better climate and environment
2 Our contribution to a better climate and
The road haulage sector contributes to a better climate and environment by utilising new technologies and methods.
environment
TECHNOLOGIES Lorries are now more environmentally friendly Since the 1990's, most European countries have required that new lorries comply with harmonised limits for the emission of substances that pose a risk to health and the environment – the so-called Euro standards. From 2009, the Euro 5 standard applies, and Euro 6 comes into effect in 2013. By then, lorry emissions will have been reduced by 97% in relation to 1990.
Tougher Euro standards have resulted in significant reductions in lorries' emissions of NOX, particles, CO and HC.
100 80 -88%
-95%
CO
HC
-97%
-97%
60 40 20 0
Source: ITD
NOX
Particles
1990 - EURO 0
1996 - EURO 2
2006 - EURO 4
1993 - EURO 1
2001 - EURO 3
2009 - EURO 5
2013 - EURO 6 11
2 Our contribution to a better climate and environment
To comply with Euro standards, lorry manufacturers have continually optimised engine technologies. To ensure compliance with Euro 4 and Euro 5, it has also been necessary to develop various emission reducing techniques such as EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) and SCR (selective catalytic reduction, i.e. the reduction of NOX by the addition of AdBlue). And even now, Euro 5 has been overtaken by so-called EEV standards (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicles). EEV requirements are midway between Euro 5 and the coming Euro 6. Today, more than 60% of Danish lorries comply with at least the Euro 3 standard. Over 50% of the vehicles are 0-5 years old.
ITD urges European governments to stimulate investment in environmentfriendly road transport by providing environmental subsidies for lorries that comply with the latest Euro standards.
Unfortunately, the current financial crisis has had a negative impact on investment in new, more environment-friendly lorries.
Lorries now use less fuel In contrast to emissions of NOX, HC, CO and particles, which are regulated by the Euro standard, no specific limits exist for the emission of CO2. Improvements are nevertheless being made. Since 1970, fuel economy and the normal fuel consumption of a typical 40 ton articulated lorry have been improved by 36%. CO2 emission, which is directly related to fuel consumption, has dropped correspondingly. Current efforts to reduce CO2 emission are, however, hampered by tougher EU requirements on NOX emission, which suppress fuel efficiency improvements. Reduced CO2 emission usually entails greater NOX emission and vice versa. As a result of Euro 6, which stipulates even stricter requirements on NOX emission, CO2 emission is expected to rise by 2-3% – all other things being equal. 12
Many factors other than combustion technology affect fuel consumption and CO2 emission. These include lorry dead weight, load, air resistance, rolling resistance, driveline, fuel quality and driving style. Road surface, landscape type and traffic conditions also play a part. Continuing efforts are therefore being made by the sector to develop new technologies and optimise their use.
2 Our contribution to a better climate and
Reduction in fuel consumption of a 40 ton articulated lorry Source: IRU,
environment
Litre per 100 km 50
For every litre of diesel saved, CO2 emissions are reduced by 2.65 kg
40
30
VDA 20
10
Year
0
1970
-36%
2006
Lorries are now lighter and can carry greater loads Thanks to effective weight optimisation, e.g. through the use of high-strength steel for the chassis rather than heavy steel profiles and fibre and composite materials for compressed air tanks, consoles, driveline components, etc., dead weight has been successfully reduced over the years, allowing lorries to either travel further per litre or to carry more freight for the same amount of fuel. Intensive research is still being performed on new materials capable of reducing the weight of the "basic" lorry and the ever increasing amount of accessories with which modern lorries are equipped. Larger, standardised transport units are also being developed in order to utilise the load capacity optimally (double tyres, long and heavy vehicles, etc.).
13
2 Our contribution to a better climate and environment
The importance of air and rolling resistance Lorries are becoming more streamlined, saving fuel and CO2 – especially on long-distance hauls and at high speeds. Using suitable spoilers and skirts and positioning them correctly can reduce the air resistance of tractor units, semi-trailers and trailers. The continued efforts of the industry to improve aerodynamic properties are, however, hampered to a certain extent by current regulations on permissible lorry dimensions. Choice of tyre and correct tyre pressure and wheel alignment are also very important. Tyre rolling resistance accounts for up to a third of fuel consumption. Besides obvious safety considerations, many lorries are therefore now equipped with tyre pressure monitors, which constantly check tyre pressure and warn the driver if pressure drops below a preset value. Several haulage companies have achieved savings of up to 10% by investing in aerodynamic lorries and energy-efficient tyres and by ensuring regular service and maintenance.
IT improves efficiency and saves CO2 IT systems are an indispensable aid in the everyday lives of many haulage companies and drivers. Route planning, navigation and fleet management systems all help make transport operations more efficient. They save unnecessary mileage and fuel and prevent idling, thus saving CO2. IT systems which allow direct measurement of the drivers' driving style, including fuel consumption, braking and gear-changing techniques, etc., are also used. Together with training programmes, such systems are utilised by haulage companies to motivate their drivers to keep economizing on fuel.
14
Alternative fuels and engine technologies In light of the climate challenge, high oil prices and possible insecurity of supply, it is only natural to consider alternatives to fossil fuels. Intensive research is therefore being carried out in Denmark and other countries on several alternative fuels and engine technologies. Such alternatives range from biofuels produced from vegetable oil, animal fat, synthetic oil and gas to the development of hybrid and electric lorries and hydrogen and fuel cells.
Overview of potential fuels and engine technologies for lorry transport. The list is not exhaustive.
FAME
How
What
First generation biodiesel produced from vegetable oil. The most common form of biodiesel is rape methyl ether (RME), which is produced from rapeseed. Biodiesel can also be produced from animal waste products.
FAME can be mixed with fossil diesel or used in pure form to power diesel engines. In Europe, FAME is produced to the EN 14214 standard, ensuring that it can be mixed with diesel fuel. The EN 590 standard specifies that up to 5% – soon 7% – biodiesel can be added to diesel fuel without affecting the lorry's warranty. FAME requires no change in engine technology. More frequent servicing and minor fuel system adjustments on older lorries must, however, be expected. The existing infrastructure can be used if suitable admixing facilities are provided.
Although FAME is produced in Denmark, almost all of it is exported. FAME is not presently marketed in Denmark because of high duty levels. The Danish Road Safety and Transport Agency is running a national pilot scheme with biodiesel until the end of 2009. An overall report with results and experiences will be published in 2010. With the Danish act on sustainable biofuels passed on 29 May 2009, oil companies have undertaken to ensure that at least 5.75% of total annual sales of petrol and diesel consist of sustainable biofuels. The requirement will be phased in from the first half of 2010.
Second generation biodiesel (synthetic diesel). Produced from coal, natural gas or biomass.
Suitable for direct use in diesel engines. Distribution is possible via the existing infrastructure.
The world's first massproduction plant for BTL is currently being built in Germany. BTL is not commercially available as yet.
Second generation biodiesel (synthetic diesel) produced from hydrogenated vegetable oil or animal fat.
Suitable for direct use in diesel engines. Distribution is possible via the existing infrastructure.
NexBTL/HVO is marketed as a 10% admix in Finland (Neste Oil Green Diesel). Not yet available in large-scale production.
Biodiesel
(fatty acid methyl ester)
What
BTL (biomass to liquid)
NexBTL/ HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil)
2 Our contribution to a better climate and environment
15
2
What
Our contribution to a better
How
What
Natural gas (CNG)
CNG is a fossil fuel.
CNG must be stored under high pressure, placing special demands on lorry fuel tanks. Natural gas is available in Denmark, but requires a specialised distribution network if it is to be used as fuel. CNG lorries are relatively silent.
CNG is used as fuel for distribution in urban areas in several other countries.
Biogas
Biogas is a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide produced during the decomposition of biomass, e.g. livestock waste, energy crops or organic industrial waste.
The technical requirements for biogas correspond to those for CNG powered vehicles.
Biogas is used as fuel in several other countries.
DME
DME is a gaseous fuel produced from natural gas or biomass.
Must be stored in liquid form at low pressure. Requires a larger tank capable of withstanding higher pressure.
At the experimental stage.
climate and
Gas
environment
(dimethyl ether)
It is important that we begin now to prepare the way for a market for coming generations of alternative, sustainable fuels.
16
What
How
What
Electric lorries are powered by electricity stored in batteries. The electricity is produced in power plants or – in the long term – from renewable energy sources such as wind, wave and solar power.
12 ton electric lorries are quite common. They can carry a 7.3 ton load, have a top speed of 115 km/h and can travel 150-200 km before requiring recharging. Battery recharging takes 6-8 hours. Alternatively, the battery can be replaced with one which is fully charged. Batteries can be charged via the mains. Electric lorries are almost noiseless and require less maintenance than traditional lorries.
Electric lorries are increasingly used in towns and cities for distribution purposes and refuse collection.
Hybrid
Hybrid technology combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor/ battery, which is charged via braking energy, etc.
Several manufacturers are expected to introduce small hybrid lorries into the commercial market during 2009.
At present, such technologies are particularly suitable for stop-and-go traffic in towns and cities, e.g. refuse collection.
Hydrogen and fuel cells
Fuel cells are a type of battery in which chemical energy is converted to electricity for powering an electric motor. No combustion occurs in fuel cell driven vehicles and only steam is emitted. The chemical energy in fuel cells is provided by hydrogen, which can be produced from everything from natural gas to biomass.
Hydrogen must be stored under high pressure, placing special demands on lorry fuel tanks. Utilisation of hydrogen requires that suitable refuelling systems be established. Fuel cell technology is almost noiseless.
Projects with hydrogen and fuel cell engines for buses have been initiated in several other countries in recent years.
Alternative engine technologies
Electricity
2 Our contribution to a better climate and environment
A complete transition to alternative, sustainable fuels and engine technologies cannot be accomplished overnight. Continued stimulation of research, development and investment in energy-efficient technologies and solutions is therefore necessary. 17
2 Our contribution to a better climate and environment
BEHAVIOUR Haulage companies' efforts save CO2 The higher the efficiency of the transport and logistics provided by haulage companies, the better it is for our climate and environment. About a third of total lorry operating costs consist of fuel expenses. Besides the climate-related issues, haulage companies therefore have a powerful economic incentive to improve the fuel efficiency of their transport operations.
Diesel Wages
Other
Modern haulage companies constantly strive to streamline their operations – typically by: • Choosing the most suitable vehicle and equipment for the specific task • Continually maintaining their vehicles and equipment in the proper way • Optimal routeplanning • Employing fleet management systems • Improved capacity utilisation • Investing in new technologies whenever vehicles or equipment need replacing • Training their drivers in eco-driving techniques
– All of which contribute to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emission. Eco-driving pays off The driver's style of driving is of great importance for lorry fuel consumption. A growing number of haulage companies therefore send their drivers on courses in energy-efficient driving techniques. By changing bad habits and continually following up on improvements, drivers can save up to several per cent of their fuel consumption, without losing time.
18
Moreover, from September 2009, EU qualification requirements stipulate that drivers must participate in refresher courses in eco-driving every five years.
Best Practice is an effective way of making people aware of and increasing the use of environment-friendly, energy-efficient technologies and solutions. Prime examples of Best Practice are available at www.itd.dk
We learn from each other Modern haulage companies put great effort into streamlining their transport operations and reducing their emissions. To support and encourage such efforts, sector associations continually develop updated and adapted business tools. Individual haulage companies can here find inspiration for improvements and environmental management systems, which include the preparation of policies, goals and action plans and the calculation and documentation of activities and results. The companies also learn from each other by telling of their successes and by communicating to others the positive results continually achieved (Best Practice).
2 Our contribution to a better climate and environment
Examples of sector-specific business tools from ITD: • Environment and climate – what to do? (inspirational booklet) • Best Practice (catalogue) • Eco-calculator (online calculation and declaration of eco-data at itd.dk) • Environmental management in haulage companies (handbook in environmental management to ISO 14001) • Green habits save money (pamphlet) • Environment and safety (handbook for road transport) • transECO2 (report and Best Practice catalogue)
TRANSPORT DECLARATION OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS
Documentation of environmental performance. Sample printout from ITD's EcoCalculator, which allows online calculation of emissions from individual transport operations – quickly and easily. www.itd.dk
Vehicle and transport type Vehicle type: 40 ton articulated lorry Engine: EURO 5 - 2009 Transport type: Export/import km/litre diesel: Load:
3.0 > 20 ton
Energy consumption (MJ, kWh, litres) and emissions (gram) per km NOx (kg)
HC (g)
CO (g)
Particles (g)
SO2 (g)
CO2 (g)
Diesel (l)
3.38
0.17
0.33
0.01
0.009
882
0.333
SO2 (kg)
CO2 (kg)
Diesel (l)
0.092
8820
3333
REPORT Concerning: Kilometres covered:
Diesel (MJ) Diesel (kWh) Diesel (g) 12
3.33
280
customer 5 10,000
TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS NOx (kg)
HC (kg)
CO (kg)
33.8
1.7
3.3
Particles (kg) 0.1
Diesel (MJ) Diesel (kWh) Diesel (kg) 120000
33333
2800
19
2 Our contribution to
INFRASTRUCTURE Congestion wastes fuel Ever increasing traffic congestion on Danish and European roads weighs heavily in CO2 calculations.
a better climate and environment
For instance, it is estimated that traffic comes to a complete standstill every single day on 7,500 km of major European roads because of queues and traffic jams. Road and airport congestion adds 6% to European fuel consumption and increases CO2 emissions correspondingly. Stop-and-go traffic can triple fuel consumption.
Average fuel consumption of a 40 ton articulated lorry in smooth and congested traffic.
Fuel consumption (l/100 km) 100 84 80 60 40
52
28
20
Source: VDA
0 50 km/h 0 stop
50 km/h 1 stop per km
50 km/h 2 stop per km
From a CO2 point of view, significantly reduced emissions can be achieved by preventing traffic congestion, engine idling and detours. To ensure smooth traffic flow it is therefore important that our infrastructure is extended and better maintained and utilised. The existing road network has not been kept abreast of the times.
20
In addition, the fuel consumption of even the most efficient lorries is significantly increased when driving on poorly maintained, bumpy road surfaces.
ITS – Intelligent Transport Systems The use of ITS is becoming ever more widespread. ITS encompasses systems which use IT and other technologies to monitor and regulate traffic and to provide information for road users. Such information is communicated via roadside message boards, radio newsflashes and the Internet, allowing road users to choose the optimum route and avoid queues, thus saving fuel and reducing the emission of CO2.
2 Our contribution to a better climate and
Nighttime deliveries Greater use of roads at night would help relieve daytime traffic congestion. Pilot studies in which goods have been distributed at night when the roads are empty have been completed with success in Spain, the Netherlands and other countries. Besides resulting in fewer lorries on the roads during daytime hours, shorter transport times and less CO2 emission, the schemes have also promoted the development of low-noise road surfaces, low-noise lorries and cooling systems and relatively low-noise unloading equipment.
environment
ITD advocates the relaxation of local access restrictions so that nighttime hours can be utilised for efficient, low-noise distribution of goods in cities and towns.
21
2 Our contribution to a better climate and
REGULATIONS More freight per vehicle saves CO2 Better utilisation of cargo carrying capacity can reduce CO2 emissions for a variety of lorry types by up to 1520% per ton freight. Presently, however, gross weight limits prevent optimum utilisation of the lorries' actual load capacity. Road haulage therefore emits more CO2 per ton freight than necessary.
environment
For example, a standard articulated lorry approved to carry a gross weight of 56 tons may only carry 48 tons because of Danish gross weight limits. By utilising the lorry's full potential, the carrying capacity could be increased by as much as 30%. Greater loads will of course increase fuel consumption, but CO2 emissions per ton freight can still be reduced by up to 15-20% due to the higher degree of utilisation. This has already been proved by the long end heavy vehicles (LHV) currently being tested in Denmark. The number of lorries and the amount of CO2 emitted can be reduced by allowing more freight to be carried per lorry. Higher gross weights would be even more attractive if other EU countries also adopted the concept.
Long and heavy vehicle (LHV) in comparison with 40 ton articulated lorry. Two long combination vehicles can replace three 40 ton articulated lorries on the roads. Space requirement and fuel consumption are lower. Source: VDA
No. of vehicles Space requirement on road Diesel consumption per tonkm
40 ton articulated lorry
Long and heavy vehicle
3
2
172 m
130 m
0.0235 litres
0.0198 litres
Gross weight limits must be increased to reduce CO2. If permissible gross weights were raised to those which the lorries are designed for, CO2 emissions could be reduced by 15-20%. 22
ITD advocates common, non-competition-distorting environmental regulations and requirements for the European road haulage sector. Such regulations and requirements must be clear and transparent, and simple to administer by the individual haulier.
Low emission zones Copenhagen/Frederiksberg, Aalborg, Ă…rhus, Odense and many other European cities have already established or are presently establishing low emission zones. Typically, only vehicles which meet the newest Euro standards or are equipped with particle filters are allowed to enter these zones.
2 Our contribution to a better climate and
Road pricing Many European countries currently impose road tolls on lorry traffic. In several of these countries, the tolls are graduated not only on the number of axles but also on the lorry's Euro rating.
environment
Unfortunately, road pricing and low emission zone systems vary from country to country. For hauliers who operate throughout Europe this is unnecessarily complicated and bureaucratic.
Co-modality Efficient road haulage is a precondition for sustainable freight carrying solutions based on rail, sea or air transport. Lorries are a vital partner and necessary link in the distribution chain.
The way forward The road haulage sector constantly strives to develop efficient, sustainable transport solutions. And there is still much room for improvement if the authorities and politicians are willing to support innovation and enterpreneurship.
3 The way forward!
23
ITD's positions on road haulage, climate and the environment ...
Freedom of choice of method must be the basic principle of climate and environmental regulations. Requirements on reductions in emissions and noise must be goal-oriented and not stipulate specific methods or technologies. Freedom of choice of method stimulates development and innovation. Environmental regulations and requirements must be harmonised throughout Europe. The requirements must be clear and transparent, and simple to administer and implement by individual haulage companies. Climate. The higher the efficiency of the transport and logistics provided by haulage companies, the better it is for our climate and environment. It is therefore vital that improved framework conditions are established so that haulage companies can target their efforts in areas with the greatest return on investments in CO2 reduction. Co-modality. Efficient road haulage is a precondition for sustainable freight carrying solutions based on rail, sea or air transport. Traffic congestion. Smooth traffic flow causes less CO2 emission. Our infrastructure must therefore be extended and better maintained and utilised. Environmental subsidies. In neighbouring countries, investment in environment-friendly lorries is encouraged by the provision of environmental subsidies. To ensure competitiveness, subsidies on environment-friendly vehicles and equipment should also be made available in Denmark so that the environmental impact of lorry transport can be further reduced. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) help make transport operations more efficient, safe and environment-friendly. Harmonised European ITS solutions should therefore be introduced – as quickly as possible. Roads, lorries and systems must be better utilised by amending the regulations that limit the possibilities for using vehicles and drivers optimally. There is, for example, a need to increase gross weight limits, extend the use of long and heavy vehicles, limit driving restrictions, permit low-noise nighttime deliveries in towns and cities, etc. Alternative fuels and engine technologies must be introduced. It is therefore crucial that greater economic incentive be provided for the development and use of alternatives to current diesel technology.
International Transport Danmark . Lyren 1 . DK-6330 Padborg . Tel. +45 7467 1233 . itd@itd.dk . www.itd.dk