Climate Action
Carbon Pollution, Climate Policy, and the Built Environment: Transportation (Part II)
August 26, 2013
In last week’s installment of the Carbon Pollution, Climate Policy, and the Built Environment blog series, we discussed the impact of transportation infrastructure on carbon emissions. This week, we continue our analysis of the transportation sector, focusing on the EPA’s report, Our Built and Natural Environments, which offers strategies that encourage a smarter and more sustainable built environment and help limit the carbon emissions associated with transportation.
The EPA’s report outlines several development models that help to reduce the vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Infill development, for example, is development that is based around vacant lots or underutilized buildings within existing development—rather than on the periphery—and takes advantage of existing transportation infrastructure. This type of transit-oriented development (TOD) leads to compact urban environments, making public transportation more accessible and more convenient. As a result, communities that employ infill development have been able to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Infill development projects in Oregon and California have been particularly successful.
Similarly, compact development allows communities to use less land area to satisfy the needs of a population. People will need to travel less for everyday activities when a community is more compact. Public transit, sidewalks, and bike paths will also be more practical and cost-effective when destinations are closer together. Studies have shown a decline in VMT and an increase in the use of other travel methods as communities become denser.