Hitting the sweet spot: Variability in commute lengths and vehicle emissions across a diverse state (original) (raw)

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 2017

Abstract

In this paper the authors consider travel across Virginia and identify sustainability sweet spots where commute lengths and vehicle emissions per mile combine to maximize green travel in terms of total CO₂ emissions associated with commuting. The analysis is conducted across local voter precincts (N=2,373 in the state) because they are a useful proxy for neighborhoods and well- sized for implementing policy designed to encourage green behavior. The analysis also shows changes over time. Virginia is especially appropriate for an examination of change because the state’s development, demographic, and political patterns have been changing rapidly. The authors identify four Virginia precinct-based sustainability clusters: Sweet Spots, Emerging Sweet Spots, Neutral and Non-sustaining. A model of demographic differences among the clusters shows that sustainability outcomes are highly associated with the diverse demography of the state. The authors also look at changes in the transportation and socio-demographic trends within the clusters over the past half decade, showing that differences in sustainability and demographic metrics are actually accelerating within the state over time. They conclude with a discussion of the implications of the differences among the clusters for developing and implementing effective transportation sustainability policies across the state.

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