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November 26th marks World Sustainable Transport Day, a time to consider the future of transportation and its environmental impact. It’s an opportunity to evaluate our actions—are we contributing to safer, greener transport? Some of the Temple team reflect on what this means not only to Temple as environmental consultants but to them personally as well.
With transport accounting for approximately a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is crucial to promote greener and accessible transport to further our climate goals. Moreover, transport plays an important role in facilitating economic growth and social well-being within and between nations across the globe.
While individual actions are important in contributing to increased use of sustainable modes of transport – governments and businesses have an important role to play. There are concerns over the cost of ‘sustainable’ modes of transport within the UK which discourages their use. If this challenge is not addressed, it will detrimentally impact the UK’s road to Net Zero and exacerbate social fragmentation and accessibility issues within the country.
Personal Insights – Marianna
In my personal life, it’s been tough to contribute as much as I’d like to sustainable transport. While I’m trying to cut down my carbon footprint in other ways, having family abroad means I travel a lot. I try to be back home for most of the family celebrations. Honestly, trying to go with less carbon-heavy transport, like a 35-hour FlixBus, has turned out to be way more stressful, expensive and feels way less safe than it’s worth.
And here comes the dilemma and frustration, how can I reduce my emissions while meeting personal needs? There is hope, some famous airlines e.g. United Airlines dedicated to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. These initiatives are supported by cutting-edge technologies, sustainable aviation fuels, and carbon offsetting strategies. Nevertheless, I cannot change the fact that I need to travel frequently, I can always try to reduce my carbon emissions in other ways. Transparency is crucial, and I recognise that while I am weak in some areas, I am stronger in others.
And here is why I am proud to work for a company that shares the same mindset as I do! Temple, has committed towards achieving its environmental goals. Last year, Temple set an ambitious target to reduce its carbon emissions by 18% annually, to reach net zero by 2030. Being part of an organisation that aligns with my goals and personal dedication to sustainability gives me hope that, together, we can create meaningful change.
Marianna’s first time flying to the UK to start uni during the pandemic.
Personal Insights- Venus
Promoting sustainable transport also includes having safe and accessible routes for walking and cycling. Having lived in places where cycle and pedestrian infrastructure was virtually non-existent, its impacts on discouraging active travel were extremely apparent. I am now fortunate enough to have access to relatively safe cycle lanes that allow me to travel and commute to work.
As environmental consultants, we have an important role in shaping the future of these infrastructures through our work. Temple has contributed to work for the transport sector across numerous projects. I am very fortunate to be able to utilise and contribute to the use of sustainable transport, both in my personal and now professional life at Temple.
Venus’s commuter bike.