The Management of Harmful Emissions from Heavy-Duty Transport Towards Sustainable Development

The increasing number of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) on roads has become a major contributor to harmful emissions, posing critical environmental challenges and exacerbating global warming. This study aims to establish correlations between road types and the emissions they generate, offering actionable insights for logistics planning and strategies to mitigate diesel vehicle emissions. The analysis is based on input data from a selected transport company, covering parameters such as vehicle type, average mileage, speed, and driving style, as well as environmental conditions like ambient temperature and humidity. Emissions and energy consumption levels are estimated using the COPERT model. A key research challenge involves accurately predicting and managing air pollution caused by HDVs under varying vehicular, technological, and fuel conditions, as well as fluctuating atmospheric and operational factors. The findings indicate that highway driving produces the highest emissions of pollutants such as Se and Zn, while urban peak hours record the highest levels of NO x , NO, and NO 2 . These results emphasise the critical role of strategic route selection in reducing total emissions and managing levels of individual harmful substances. This research highlights the importance of integrating sustainable practices into transport planning to reduce environmental impacts, align with global climate objectives, and advance sustainable development in the transport sector.