Transport
We use energy for transport when we use planes, trains, buses, cars and ferries. It’s not possible to be precise about how much energy is required for various modes of transport, but if a car is used then the following table gives an idea.
| Mode | mpg | For 1000 miles | For 10,000 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel car | 30 | 1635 kWh | 16,350 kWh |
| Petrol car | 30 | 1440 kWh | 14,400 kWh |
| Train/bus per person | 800 kWh | 8,000 kWh | |
| Flight – short haul per person | 2080 kWh | 20,800 kWh |
Travelling by train or bus will roughly halve the amount of energy used per mile
Transport accounts for around a quarter of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions from the UK. Current government policy seeks to reduce the impact of travel on the environment by:
- Reducing the fossil carbon content of transport fuel.
- Increasing the fuel efficiency of vehicles.
- Encouraging a move towards more environmentally friendly forms of transport.
Follow the links below for transport tips and information
National
- The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation
- Low carbon cars
- Energy efficiency labels for new cars
- CO2 saving tips re: buying a new car, smarter driving, carbon foot printing
- Sustrans UK's leading sustainable transport charity
- Greener travel – a quick guide
Local
- Sustainable Cheshire – transport
- Sustainable Cheshire – alternatives to the car
- Shropshire – Project Carbon
- Marches Energy Agency
