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How can we alter our carbon footprint? Estimating GHG emissions based on travel survey information

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  • Anais Mathez
  • Kevin Manaugh
  • Vincent Chakour
  • Ahmed El-Geneidy
  • Marianne Hatzopoulou

Abstract

The city of Montreal has taken recent initiatives to significantly reduce overall greenhouse (GHG) emissions from the transport sector and has made large investments in alternative transportation. In particular, the city has called upon the participation of all businesses and institutions to further these goals. In light of these recent plans, this study identifies with two objectives: first, to develop a methodology for estimating GHG emissions generated by commuters to McGill University’s downtown campus; and secondly, to better understand who, how, and when each commuter to McGill generates travel-related GHG. Mode split, travel distance, age, gender and job category were uncovered by a 2011 travel survey that we conducted across the University, from which daily individual GHG emissions are estimated. Details about these trips not only reveal who the largest polluters are and where they are coming from, but also the seasonality of their emissions. These associations are then used to narrate scenarios which present alternatives to the structure of individuals’ commutes by examining the outcomes of selected shifts in travel behavior on total GHG emissions. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Anais Mathez & Kevin Manaugh & Vincent Chakour & Ahmed El-Geneidy & Marianne Hatzopoulou, 2013. "How can we alter our carbon footprint? Estimating GHG emissions based on travel survey information," Transportation, Springer, vol. 40(1), pages 131-149, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:transp:v:40:y:2013:i:1:p:131-149
    DOI: 10.1007/s11116-012-9415-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Corazza, Maria Vittoria & Guida, Umberto & Musso, Antonio & Tozzi, Michele, 2016. "A new generation of buses to support more sustainable urban transport policies: A path towards “greener” awareness among bus stakeholders in Europe," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 20-29.
    5. Bruce Barrett & Maggie Grabow & Cathy Middlecamp & Margaret Mooney & Mary M. Checovich & Alexander K. Converse & Bob Gillespie & Julia Yates, 2016. "Mindful Climate Action: Health and Environmental Co-Benefits from Mindfulness-Based Behavioral Training," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(10), pages 1-20, October.
    6. Dolf, Matt & Teehan, Paul, 2015. "Reducing the carbon footprint of spectator and team travel at the University of British Columbia's varsity sports events," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 18(2), pages 244-255.
    7. Beno Mesarec & Branka Trček, 2024. "Suggestions and Solutions for Enhancing Active Commuting to the University of Maribor and Advancing CO 2 Emission Reduction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-21, January.
    8. Nayer Daher & Farhana Yasmin & Min Ru Wang & Ehsan Moradi & Omid Rouhani, 2018. "Perceptions, Preferences, and Behavior Regarding Energy and Environmental Costs: The Case of Montreal Transport Users," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-20, February.

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