Sustainable transport
Policy development and strategic advisory addressing environmental, social and economic issues in the transport sector
Safer, smarter and more sustainable transport systems
Our advice and forecasts enable policy makers to make informed decisions around sustainable mobility services and associated infrastructure, ensuring maximum benefits for individuals, communities and the wider economy.
Whether launching international drives to increase the availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, developing decarbonisation technologies for the shipping sector, or introducing low emission zones in urban centres, we offer the benchmark in policy advice and economic analysis that ensures a smooth pathway from concept to implementation.
Projects
UK Sustainable Aviation Fuels Clearing House
Read case studyEdinburgh Trams Energy Efficiency
Read case studyE-Tracker - Electric Motorcycle
Read case studyHow we can help you
Our track record working with policy makers and regulators equips us with the experience necessary to advise companies and trade associations in the transport sector on the likely implications of new policies and regulations.
Our team regularly reviews local, national and international policies in areas such as infrastructure pricing, emissions regulations and financing rules. We are very familiar with the connectivity, energy and environmental policies that affect the transport sector, and regularly provide policy support to international and national governmental bodies on a range of legislation areas.
As space in urban centres becomes increasingly scarce and manufacturers and fleet operators come under pressure to show reductions in their environmental footprints, some markets are now favouring smaller, low-emission fleets that befit an era where private car ownership has become too costly and impractical.
Our teams are supporting this shift by providing private and public sector clients with specialist insight into relevant regulatory requirements, research into technology options and independent analysis of environmental impacts.
We are leading the evolution of the maritime sector towards an efficient, sustainable and low-carbon future. Independent and impartial, we offer a level of industry expertise and technical capability across the full product life cycle for multiple international markets that few others are able to match.
Our deep technical and domain knowledge, complemented by expansive expertise in policy, economics, regulation, environmental and safety services, life cycle assessment, strategy and planning uniquely positions us to support our clients.
We deliver policy advice through a structured and evidence-based analysis framework that uses the best available economic and environmental modelling and targeted stakeholder engagement approaches.
Our experts also provide in-depth evaluation of existing policy initiatives to assess their effectiveness, efficiency and ongoing relevance and identify opportunities for further improvement. This includes 'fitness checks' of the overall legal framework affecting a specific sector to ensure it is fit for purpose. Ahead of the recent European Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, our expert team conducted an evaluation of the EU Transport White Paper, highlighting the progress made against environmental and socio-economic targets, as well as areas where more action was needed at EU level.
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is a carbon-reduction solution which reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 80% over the lifecycle of the fuel compared to traditional jet fuel it replaces.
We provide clients with access to engineers who understand SAF technologies, anticipate technological and industry changes, and have been involved in developing industry policy, and have guided airports and airlines towards regulatory compliance with SAF mandates, environmental targets and certification.
Under current global decarbonisation commitments, CO2 emissions from transport will grow 15% by 2050 compared to 2015 globally (OECD, 2021). Transport decarbonisation is needed to combat climate change, improve air quality and support the mobility needs of people and goods.
Our global, multidisciplinary team of engineers, economists and scientists can provide valuable technical insight into viable low-carbon technologies and fuels e.g. e-mobility, biofuels and hydrogen.
As new technologies emerge, governments and businesses need to set the right targets and invest in the best solutions to achieve these goals. We can support your organisation to develop strategies to reduce the contribution of transport emissions to climate change and air pollution.
Examples of our work for the European Commission include high profile impact assessment studies supporting the revision of the EU legal framework concerning Alternative Fuels Infrastructure and the adoption of a Sustainable Aviation Fuels mandate. In the UK, our analysis has been instrumental to shed light on the accessibility needs linked to electric vehicles charging. In Mexico, we are supporting local and national policy makers in their actions to promote green freight.
Bespoke transport modelling tools
Exploring the impacts of different technology, policy and infrastructure scenarios.
Sustainable Transport Model (SULTAN)
SULTAN analyses the potential impact of technologies and policy pathways for the development of sustainable mobility strategies. It has been used in many policy studies at EU level (for the EC, and a range of NGOs and trade associations).
Charger Route Model (ChaRM)
The ChaRM tool helps decision makers assess the relative costs and emissions of different electric fleet technologies.
Vehicle life-cycle assessment (LCA) modelling framework
Our vehicle life-cycle assessment (LCA) modelling framework provides analysis of the environmental impacts of road vehicle types, powertrains and fuel/electricity production chains.
Sustainable transport Resources
BusChaRM provides unique route to vehicle technology and infrastructure solutions
Read articleSynthetic e-fuels from renewable energy show potential for sustainable shipping
Read articleClearing the path for Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Read RQElectric Vehicle Transition - A Fleet Operator's Dilemma
Read RQMeet the experts
Sofia Amaral
Principal Consultant, Sustainable Transport
Nikolas Hill
Associate Director for Transport Technology and Fuels
Achilleas Tsamis
Policy Evaluation and Impact Assessment