Overview
Denmark has a well-developed and generally environmentally friendly transport system. The transport system has been improved in several areas including public transport, integration of the different modes of transport and new technologies like electric vehicles and modular vehicle combinations. However, Denmark is determined to continuously reduce the impact of the transport sector on the environment.
Facilitating a greener transport system in Denmark is of high priority to the Danish Government. The aim is to make Denmark independent from fossil fuels by focusing on several initiatives such as less congestion, more use of public transports, more competitive railway sector and an increased use of energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.
Funding
Results
These are results of the study:
Tools for greener transport
The Ministry of Transport has initiated a number of national campaigns and implemented a “Drive Green”- program in order to make the Danish citizens more aware of energy efficient driving habits. Energy efficient driving can cause a reduction of 5-15 pct. fuel consumption. Through the implementation of tools like green recommendations when purchasing cars and a volunteer certification scheme for companies and public organizations, incentives are created for consumers to think environmentally friendly in connection with transport and awareness of the economic benefits of greener transport choices is raised.
Green actions in the freight sector
Several initiatives are utilised to develop efficient freight transport, e.g. a pilot project that tests the use of modular vehicle combinations (Eco-combies), charges on heavy goods vehicles, a congestion charging zone in Copenhagen, increased gross weight and axle loads of heavy goods vehicles and efficient freight delivery in cities. Since 2007 the use of Eco-combies has been tested on Danish roads. Two Eco-combies can transport the same amount of freight as three regular heavy goods vehicles, which means that fuel consumption is around 15 pct. lower per. transported unit when driving an Ecocombies, thereby reducing CO2 emissions correspondingly.
Testing the use of electric vehicles in Denmark
A large-scale project has been launched in Denmark testing Danish families’ use of electric vehicles. During the next years, families have the opportunity to test the use of an electric vehicle as their everyday means of trans- port. The project will increase focus on electric vehicles and promote them as alternatives to regular vehicles.