Archive for the ‘Models’ Category
Models refer to existing sustainable models or frameworks of action that are occurring in cities around the world in both developing and developed nations. A model could possibly be applied elsewhere in a different context. For example, “permablitz” is a model of urban agriculture installation that many people are applying in different parts of Victoria. SustainableCitiesNet.com strongly encourages environmental organisations and institutions to post their own environmental initiatives (ie. “models”) on the site to share with others. To do so visit the “How to use this site” page and follow the prompts.
Shipping News
Posted in Models by devin on December 19th, 2008
The section below is republished with permission from the Going Solar Transport Newsletter #88, 2 December 2008, compiled by Stephen Ingrouille. Going Solar newsletter provides an excellent commentary on local sustainable transport issues in Melbourne.
“Solar-powered sails the size of a jumbo jet’s wings will be fitted to cargo ships, after a Sydney renewable energy company signed a deal with China’s biggest shipping line. The Chatswood-based Solar Sailor group has designed the sails, which can be retro-fitted to existing tankers. The aluminium sails, 30 metres long and covered with photovoltaic panels, harness the wind to cut fuel costs by between 20 and 40 per cent, and use the sun to meet five per cent of a ship’s energy needs. China’s COSCO bulk carrier will fit the wings to a tanker ship and a bulker ship under a memorandum of understanding with the Australian company, which demonstrates the technology on a Sydney Harbour cruise boat. ‘It’s hard to predict a time line but at some point in the future, I can see all ships using solar sails - it’s inevitable’, said the company’s chief executive, Dr Robert Dane. Once fitted, the sails can pay for themselves in fuel savings within four years, Dr Dane said. They don’t require special training to operate, with a computer linked in to a ship’s existing navigation system, and sensors automatically angling the sails to catch a breeze and help vessels along.”
Ref: Ben Cubby, SMH, 28/10/08
Tags: airplanes, Going Solar, greenhouse gases, shipping, tankers, Transport
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A Revolutionary new city bus, ‘Freight*Bus’ that’s so much more than just a means of transporting people, it’s a radical bus & urban freight system concept.
Posted in Models by hugh on December 16th, 2008
A real ‘step change’ in city transportation logistics, Freight*Bus marks the integration of passenger and freight transportation. It will have a profound impact on city infrastructure, providing increased passenger and freight capacity, improved convenience and service, whilst reducing congestion, pollution and real costs.
Tags: bus, Models, public, seeking, Transport
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Emissions-based Vehicle Excise Duty
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 12th, 2008
A different way of taxing car purchase & use provides consumers with rational pricing signals, based on environmental impacts, and may provide incentives to purchase more efficient vehicles.
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Tags: legislation, new behaviours, Transport
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“Ride the Wind” CTrain
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 11th, 2008
An entire train system’s power-use is offset by the supplier’s payment to a wind-farm.
Tags: energy, new behaviours, Transport
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London Congestion Charge
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 10th, 2008
The London Congestion Charge is a fee for some motorists travelling within those parts of London designated as the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ). The charge aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve journey times by encouraging people to choose other forms of transport if possible.
Tags: governance, new behaviours, Transport
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Bicycle-Bus Transit Systems
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 9th, 2008
By installing bike racks on buses and integrating the two transport systems, the viability of both cycling and bus transit (both of which are lower emission than the car) is increased.
Tags: enabling technologies, governance, new systems/services, Transport
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Predit: research, experimentation and innovation
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 9th, 2008
This information is part of research into case studies provided by Liz Boulton, Logistick, at the recent Sustainable Freight Seminar.
Predit is a French programme of research, experimentation and innovation in land transport, started by the ministries in charge of research, transport, environment and industry. It is not so much a case study as a methodology or a project management system.
Tags: governance, Transport
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‘Tripsense’ Pay-as-You-Drive car insurance
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 5th, 2008
With ‘Pay as You Go’ drivers can purchase cover as and when they need it - and then switch it off when it is not required. While the scheme doesn’t offer extra discounts for “greener” vehicles, it may help to reduce unnecessary car trips, and can play a role in an integrated transport strategy.
Tags: consumption, enabling technologies, Transport
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TransLink - Vancouver Transport Governance
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 5th, 2008
This governance structure attempts to coordinate and achieve balance between different modes so that they are integrated.
Tags: governance, integration, new systems/services, Transport
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HomeZones Community Streetscapes
Posted in Models, RDAG by Kate Archdeacon on December 4th, 2008
HomeZones or Woonerf (Dutch) are grassroots, community-initiated streetscapes designed to develop and build community connectedness and safety by slowing motorised traffic and bringing human-scale activity back to the street.
Tags: community, new behaviours, Transport
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