Sustainability and the Future of Mobility.

Sustainability and the Future of Mobility– A View from the UK

Words by Alan MacLeod Photography Supplied

Alan MacLeod has held senior management roles in both asset management and project development for multinational energy organisations. During Alan’s 30- year career he has held a number of posts in FTSE 100 companies as both a senior manager and latterly as a technical consultant.

Alan founded international energy consultancy 3PV Energy. He is also founder and CEO of Pure Energy (REGen) Ltd, a company that encourages a renewable energy future for businesses, by developing renewable energy sector infrastructure, with a focus on sustainable transport infrastructure, including both fixed and mobile electric vehicle (EV) charging technology and data analytics.

In common with Junkies, Pure Energy is interested in forming partnerships with like-minded individuals and companies who are passionate about making important environmentally significant changes so that we can live our lives to the max, without damaging the one element that unites us all – our planet.

How we travel in our major cities will become one of the most significant lifestyle transformations of the future. In addition to electric mobility, transport is fast becoming more automated; self-driving vehicles will be introduced onto UK roads by 2021 and deployment of a “Cooperative Intelligent Transport System” on Europe’s roads will allow vehicles to ‘talk’ to each other about dangerous situations, road works and even traffic light timing!

Google Maps and similar satnav services already collect real-time traffic data and suggest congestion-avoiding alternatives. In future “open” data combined with machine-learning will make journey times very accurate; we also won’t need multiple bus and train timetable formats, or road maps, as data sources become even more accessible.

Today we travel less per person than two decades ago, but due to population growth overall transport demand is rising. We’re also tending to commute less while doing more online shopping (with same day delivery the future norm). Young people are less likely to own a car, as they value “experiences” (e.g. social media) rather than “things”, while older people are now driving more than they used to.

Clean Transport

Many Western governments have pledged that by 2040 all new vehicles sold will be either electric or hybrid. New modes of transport are emerging, including drones, electric scooters, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes. In Europe we are also adapting to shared mobility – not just traditional transit options (buses, metros, rail) but also ride-sharing, and car clubs like BlaBla.com, ZipCar and HiyaCar.com. Docked/dockless bicycles are actively promoted in most major European cities.

The need to create new digitally enabled business models has enabled companies such as UBER ride-hailing and further development of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) technology. MaaS describes digital platforms (such as smartphone apps) through which people access a range of public, shared and private transport, using systems that integrate planning, booking and paying for travel. Clean transport combined with convenient technology will define the future of mobility, primarily in our major cities and eventually throughout all our populated regions.

Australia – Get a Move On!

Australia is more at risk from climate change than almost any other country in the developed world. Australia was responsible for just 1.1% of global emissions in 2016, ranking Australia No. 16 among the most polluting countries in the world. And yet, per capita, it’s acknowledged as being among the worst.

According to the World Economic Forum, Australia, is among the only large economies ranking high on economic growth and energy security, and among those with the highest carbon intensity of fuel mix, per-capita. Australia also ranks almost last in preparedness to transition to a “secure, sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy future” – ranking 28 out of 32 countries by consumption and carbon emissions in the world. Where the average overall Energy Transition Index score for advanced economies sits at 88/100, Australia scores just 59/100. Australia’s score on “transition readiness” is even lower, at 54%.

The current status appears surprising when you consider the availability of cheap, clean electricity in the nation. Let’s be clear, there is no cheaper source of energy available to Australians than renewable energy, period.

The opportunity for Australia to be a leader in sustainable transportation solutions is significant. Whilst Melbourne and Canberra are notable leaders in the fight against climate change, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the overall picture for the nation is not altogether encouraging. To grasp the opportunity, at both government and local levels, takes courage and vision.