1. Promoting use of existing efficient technologies; 2. Retiring existing inefficient technologies; and
3. Supporting R&D for advanced technology developments.
At the same time, there is a need for commercialisation and widespread dissemination of existing efficient technologies. For example, applying already existing efficiency measures at a global scale (weight saving measures, stop-and-start technology, low resistance measures and hybridisation of vehicles, etc.) can already double the fuel economy of the global vehicle fleet. This is without introduction of state-of-the-art technologies such as electric and hydrogen vehicles (see Box 13).
Technology transfer/access needs Technologies developed for developed nations often cannot simply be transferred to developing countries. According to UNEP (2009), effective technology transfer in the transport sector requires:
■ Accelerated deployment and diffusion of technologies;
■ Learning from the technology progress within countries already practicing technology transfer; and
■ Supporting mechanisms through appropriate financial mechanisms, knowledge networks and capacity building.
Technological, financial, institutional, information and social barriers can prevent the effective transfer of technology. The United Nations Environment Programme (2009) highlights economic and market barriers as some of the main obstacles of technology transfer. Furthermore, technology and knowledge transfer in transport should take place between developing countries, for example, to share experiences in applying low cost transport solutions such as BRT systems.
To facilitate an increased level of technology transfer, a detailed inventory of relevant technologies should be developed at national and regional levels. This may be linked to a Technology Needs Assessment, currently undertaken by many developing countries, which could also identify key actions for support from the international community.
5.4 Strengthening Institutions and Capacity
Realising the changes to investments and enforcing/ executing the aforementioned policies, regulations and standards for green transport calls for strong institutional arrangements at both national and sub-national levels:
■ National level institutions, such as Ministries of Transport (in strong coordination with Ministries of Finance, Environment, Energy, Urban Development and Health) can help direct investments towards green technology to promote sustainable low carbon transport, bring in fiscal measures such as taxes and subsidies on vehicles and fuels and introduce regulations that restrict or discourage the usage and development of energy- intensive modes/ transport systems.
■ Sub-national level institutions, such as the Municipal Transport Agencies (in strong coordination with land use planning agencies and other local level agencies) can help integrate urban land use planning with transport infrastructure development, coordinate public transport systems, and introduce transport demand management measures such as congestion pricing, parking management, etc. (see section 5.1 for further details). The development of integrated urban transport agencies as seen in Singapore may help towards these aims.
Capacity building can help fine-tune the existing institutions to remove their infirmities and develop new ones to fill the vacuum, wherever it exists. To enable green transport, capacity building can in particular be targeted at:
Improving the efficiency of conventional engines is shown (at least in the short term) as one of the most cost-effective means to reduce environmental impacts (McKinsey and Company 2009). In this context, UNEP works with the IEA, the International Transport Forum (ITF) and the FIA Foundation in the Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI)41
to promote vehicle
efficiency worldwide. The GFEI is promoting at least a doubling of global vehicle fuel efficiency by 2050, and through this will make a major contribution to a future climate regime and meeting of climate targets. By providing the space for discussion and consensus on automotive fuel economy, the GFEI serves as a bridge between the car industry, governments, international organisations and NGO groups worldwide, in addition to providing support for the development of national clean and efficient vehicle policies.