Net-Zero transport project - Deploying mobility and place-based solutions to reach Net-Zero carbon objectives

Challenge

The project was commissioned by the Royal Town Planning Institute. In response to government Net Zero Carbon objectives, it sought to identify ambitious pathways to achieving an 80% reduction in surface transport emissions by 2030, adapted to different towns and cities. This approach justified the deployment of place-based solutions which simultaneously release health, economic and environmental co-benefits.

Solution

SLR enhanced and deployed the framework which includes the interventions required to decarbonise surface transport: the Avoid, Shift, Improve typology. This seeks to deliver mobility and placemaking measures which: avoid the number trips made; shift journeys to active and shared forms of mobility; and improve the remaining journeys by switching to zero emission fuels.

SLR designed and delivered a programme of stakeholder engagement workshops, to identify the barriers and opportunities in achieving these pathways. These brought together local planning authorities, transport operators, consultants, housing developers, mobility charities and more.

Impact

The results of the carbon modelling showed which interventions had the greatest potential to reduce carbon, helping decision makers to prioritise. Examples of measures included: carbon neutral growth zones; strategic green infrastructure; liveable streets; integrated networks of mobility hubs; digital infrastructure; electro-mobility and local living through 15-minute neighbourhood designs.