Impact of ITS on CO2 emissions – the contribution of a standardised assessment framework

Intelligent transport systems are accepted as an integral part of the transport system. They have high potential in reducing the carbon footprint of traffic while improving efficient and safe transport. The calculation of CO₂ emissions arising from the transport sector incorporating the impact of ITS is a challenging task. A systematic assessment methodology will support developers, public authorities and investors in ITS solutions to make sound decisions based on comparable and transparent impact estimates. As the basis for such an assessment, the fragmentation of traffic in underlying processes is suggested. These processes can be divided into transport demand related processes and driver behaviour and vehicle related processes. Together these processes lead to traffic flow. Transport processes are influenced by various factors. Both the processes itself and the factors influencing them can be affected by ITS. A systematic analysis of the potential effects of ITS on all these levels is the prerequisite for choosing a suitable modelling approach to quantify the effects. It also ensures the transparency of the modelling process by elucidating the required model sensitivities. The details of such an approach and its context from user need to a standardised assessment methodology for ITS is described.