case study

guiding principles for air quality

In 2021 ETA worked with the University of Strathclyde and the City of Glasgow to research environmental strategies for air quality, health and transport. The result was 7 guiding principles for cities in these areas, outlined below.

1Considered action over ‘blah blah blah’

Behavioural change is our ultimate defence from climate change.

2An attractive city is climate resilient

Our individual transport choices add up to make a livable city.

3Respect private car use

In spite of congestion and emissions, citizens favour the independence and flexibility of private car use.

4Effective support

The priority support for behavioural change is incentives for drivers of private cars to produce less carbon in the city centre.

5Provide choices for drivers

Drivers of private cars hold the key to the greatest reduction in emissions. Market levers (not regulatory levers) will create sustainable cultural change and more environmentally friendly choices for drivers.

6Treat the cause not the symptom

Accurate monitoring of the relationship between air quality and transport emissions provides quality data to drive change in the transport sector.

7Responsible investment

Innovation and adoption of sustainable transport modes can be funded by ending fossil fuel subsidies and evaluating transport investment for carbon impacts.