Introduced in 2006, the Eco-Efficient TravelTM indicator resulted from the Environmental Management System developed by Veolia Environnement and applied to all four of its divisions (Water, Environmental Services, Energy and Transportation) since 2001. The indicator, the methodology of which has been certified by Ernst & Young, measures the per-passenger performances of public transportation compared with private cars. It is used to calculate:
- CO2 avoided
- atmospheric pollution avoided
- private cars avoided
- fuel not consumed
- money saved by the passenger.
Based on this indicator, Veolia Transport can offer local public authorities an educational kit, "Keep CO2L," that will enable them to publish the results of these calculations using various media aimed at passengers: an eco-calculator on the transportation system's Web site, eco-calculations on the system's display screens, posters inside vehicles and in stations, eco-calculations on tickets and schedules, etc. The aim is to build passengers' awareness of the impact of their travel habits and the benefits of public transportation.
The Luas light rail system in Dublin will be the first to introduce this campaign.
By publishing the results of its Eco-Efficient TravelTM indicator, Veolia Transport is underlining the role of public transportation in environmental respect, financial savings, quality of life and public health, and working closely with its Transit Authority clients.
A "Keep CO2L" communications campaign will underpin the expansion of Veolia Transport's initiative.
Veolia Transport is the first operator to have available such wide-ranging, detailed information of this kind.