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Study on the Transport Emissions of All Modes (STREAM)

In July 2011CE Delft made an update of the 2008 STREAM-study on the emissions of freight and passenger transport., reviewing emissions in 2005 and making projections for 2020. This resulted in the STREAM model, a comprehensive, up-to-date and accessible database on transport emissions. STREAM contains not only a wealth of data on the current emissions of the various modes of transport but also on how these are likely to develop as new technologies and government policies are rolled out. STREAM makes use of indices that are widely accepted in both scientific and policy circles, thus providing a robust and reliable methodology.

What is the 'greenest' mode of transport?

Today there are plenty of discussions and questions asked about the pollution associated with transport alternatives. Is it better for the environment to take the train or plane for that holiday in the Med? Is it better to have that shipment to Austria despatched by road or waterway?

Based on the results of the STREAM study, CE Delft concludes there is no such thing as ‘the’ greenest mode of transport. The scale of the transport is often just as important as the mode, with load and capacity factors and other logistical parameters also playing a key role. A fully-laden truck is greener than an empty train, and vice versa. The impact of new technologies is also substantial, with a new vehicle four to ten times cleaner than models from the early 1990s.

STREAM for businesses

In answering these kinds of questions, the STREAM study provides the bedrock from which we can do the number-crunching for trade, industry and government. One application for trade and industry is the Logistics Emission Scan. With this tool we help companies quantify the environmental impact of their transport operations, whether to inform their customers or for other purposes. A growing number of companies as well as advocacy groups are approaching carriers and consignors with the question how polluting their operations are and what they are doing about it. But how can you as a carrier or consignor get a handle on this without having the emissions of your truck or shipping fleet at your fingertips?

STREAM-TEAM, dream-team

If you would like to know more about how clean or dirty your transport operations are, simply contact the CE Delft STREAM-TEAM(©), which visits carriers and consignors and provides on-site assistance with collecting and inputting relevant company data – so your own staff do not have to fiddle around with convoluted models but can concentrate simply on bringing together the relevant information.

The STREAM study was carried out by CE Delft for the Dutch ministries of Public Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) and Transport, Public Works and Water Management (V&W). The Logistics Emissions Scan was developed by CE Delft in collaboration with Altimedes and EVO on a commission from the Sustainable Logistics programme.

For the Logistics Emissions Scan, click HERE.

STREAM Study on the TRansport Emissions of All Modes

To download the publication STREAM International Freight 2011.