In today’s world, it is increasingly important to consider sustainability to protect our planet and ensure a good quality of life. Sustainable mobility is a critical factor since it refers to low- and zero-emission, affordable, and energy-efficient modes of transport, including electric and alternative-fuel vehicles. Alternative fuels include propane, natural gas, electric hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, and biodiesel. With the introduction of electric cars, buses, bicycles and scooters, getting around a busy city is not only lowering our carbon footprints, but we can get from one point to another in a more straightforward, more cost-effective way. This article will detail the importance of sustainable mobility and how it works.

The Importance of Sustainable Mobility

The concept of transforming transport from an ecological point of view ​​is called sustainable mobility. The goal is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions so that the ecosystem can regenerate. A seventh of global greenhouse gas emissions result from transportation, of which almost two-thirds are due to passenger travel and the remainder to freight. Thus, sustainable ride for passengers is crucial for protecting the environment. It has significant importance in urban areas, where traffic, parking, and carbon emission are everyday problems. Environmental, social, and economic factors must be considered for sustainable transportation to be achieved.

Sustainable transportation does not only mean “green transportation” since it is also relatively cost-effective; you can save a lot on fuel. As a result of sustainable transportation, traffic congestion also decreases, so commuters and roadway stress are reduced for those who continue to travel on highways and city streets, and those who take public transportation often travel faster. The health benefits are also essential to highlight since less carbon emission means fewer pulmonary diseases and other illnesses caused by inhaling it. Choosing an alternative way of transportation, such as an e-scooter or bike, can eliminate the time spent searching for a parking spot. With bike lines wired through more and more large cities, the commute time can also be significantly decreased. In many cities you have to pay a traffic jam fee, or cars are completely excluded from certain areas with the exception of ambulances, police, public transport, delivery and freight. Of course these areas are also accessible by scooters, bicycles and by walking.

Alternative Transportation Options

Fuel-efficient vehicles use less fuel than older vehicles, save on fuel costs, and emit fewer greenhouse gases. The primary alternative fuels include: 

Electricity

Natural gas, coal, nuclear energy, wind energy, hydropower, as well as solar energy can be used to generate electricity and stored as hydrogen or in batteries.

Biodiesel

Vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease are converted into biodiesel, a renewable, biodegradable fuel. 

Ethanol

Renewable fuels such as ethanol are produced from corn and other plant materials. It is common to use ethanol in gasoline in the U.S., with over 98% of gasoline containing some form of ethanol.

Hydrogen 

As a clean fuel, hydrogen produces only water when burned in a fuel cell. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic sources, including natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and solar and wind power.

Natural gas

This fossil fuel contains many different compounds, but methane, a carbon and hydrogen atom compound, is the largest component of natural gas.

Propane 

As a byproduct of the processing of natural gas and refining crude oil, propane has a high octane rating, making it an excellent choice for spark-ignited internal combustion engines. If it spills or is released from a vehicle, it presents no threat to soil, surface water, or groundwater.

Low-carbon transportation is likely achieved through electrification without breakthroughs in second-generation biofuels. Through ongoing research and development, advanced vehicle batteries provide longer driving ranges and reduced charging times. The new hype in big cities is electric scooters, e-motorbikes, and e-bikes since they offer a fast and time-effective mode of transportation.

Sustainable Infrastructure

Sustainable infrastructure is essential to achieve global climate goals, sustainable development goals, and a strong and resilient global economy. In addition, sustainable infrastructure provides necessary services for the population, including roads, bridges, telephone towers, hydroelectric power stations, pedestrian sidewalks, bike lanes, car charging stations, and sewage treatment plants. Originally in many cities, the idea was to place car traffic above and pedestrians below street level. In Budapest it was quite common and for this there are many underpasses. As car traffic grew and more people moved into the capital, it was no longer a good system, and it also caused accessibility problems for disabled people. Now the idea has shifted to placing roads below and passenger crossings above, but it’s important to note that projects like this are very costly and time-consuming.

As urban areas grow exponentially, particularly in emerging countries, sustainable infrastructure is proving to be a more efficient, productive, and environmentally friendly option. As well as providing more reliable services and greater resilience to extreme weather events, these facilities also reduce the impact of natural threats on people and the economy, which makes them more profitable.

Air travel, boat rides, lodging, and other activities add to tourism’s carbon footprint, contributing about 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Tourists from high-income countries emit the majority of this footprint. American tourists are at the top of this list. While a flight might be inevitable from one country to another, and for now, there aren’t any sustainable tourism options to replace it while visiting a city, it is easy to switch out the car rental to a “greener” option.

Many countries are in the ring to race for the title of most sustainable city. There are numerous ways to achieve this, like car-free zones or dedicated bus lanes. Copenhagen is one of the best examples of a sustainable capital city. Every year they make an effort to become completely carbon-neutral. The municipality invests large sums of money in its sustainable mobility program. Almost 75 percent of people here get around on foot, by public transport, or by bike. They have built over 400 kilometers of bike paths, and 40 percent of commuters use these to get to their workplace. Almost 85 percent of the population uses the public transport system daily, which puts Denmark in one of the most sustainable cities in the world. 

Of course, they are not alone; Panama City and Athens have similar targets for the upcoming years, although they all imply different approaches. Panama City is using strategic infrastructure; they rebuilt the Panama Canal. This single action has significantly reduced freshwater usage and made trading more sustainable. They have also completed two new metro systems, which move 22 000 people daily and make commuters’ lives easier. 

Athens is like a phoenix from its ashes since it is still getting back on its feet from the crisis a few years ago. Alongside relaunching their economy, they take significant steps in making the capital more sustainable. For example, their city center was redesigned by an Italian architect, Renzo Piano, respecting the highest levels of sustainability and winning awards for it.

Collaboration with Sustainable Transportation Providers

Partnering with sustainable transportation providers, such as bike share programs and electric vehicle rental companies, has many positive effects. Alongside implementing a new way of transportation, it is also highly cost-effective for all users. In addition, you can significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable mobility. Governments and policymakers are happy to foster and even endorse such collaborations, as their main goal is to create sustainable, self-sufficient cities. In many countries, you can acquire financial help to invest in sustainable mobility programs for you or your company. 

E-Magine Tours is one of Hungary’s top sustainable mobility providers for leisure and tourism. Contact us and learn more about how you can be part of this eco-friendly bike gang.

Sustainability in a nutshell

Sustainable mobility is crucial in achieving a good quality of life, especially in urban areas. It refers to low- and zero-emission, affordable, and energy-efficient modes of transport, including electric and alternative-fuel vehicles. Switching to eco-friendly options has health benefits in heavily polluted areas, as well as you can save on fuel and even on time. Using an e-scooter or bike can reduce the time and stress spent looking for parking places. Sustainable infrastructure can help commuters go about their business more efficiently and quickly. Many countries are racing for the most-sustainable city title and are making significant investments to build the necessary infrastructure to achieve this. Panama City, Denmark, and Athens are among the most sustainable cities. Still, many other towns have car-free zones and dedicated bus lanes that make the lives of daily commuters easier. Collaborating with sustainable mobility providers, such as reduced costs and government aid, can benefit you and your company. Stepping on the road to sustainability benefits the whole world, and we at E-Magine Tours can help you reduce your carbon footprint when you come to explore Budapest.