Estimation of Carbon Footprint of Fuel Loss Due to Idling of Vehicles at Signalised Intersection in Delhi

Abstract

Carbon footprint has become a broadly used term. CO2 emissions results in the global warming and subsequently climate change. It is one of the most significant of the six greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride). Transportation sector is one of the sources of GHG emissions. All means of transportation, apart from walking and cycling, which are negligible, cause emissions. In 2007, the transport sector emitted 142.04 million tons of CO2 eq. Road transport, being the dominant mode of transport in the country, emitted 87% of the total CO2 equivalent emissions from the transport sector. The main objective of this research is to quantify the carbon footprint due to fuel loss at signalized intersection. The methodology adopted is: i) Assortment of intersections with high, medium and low volumes ii) Examine the delays taking place at each intersection for individual modes of travel (car, buses, 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler) iii) Fuel consumption during idling of vehicles at signalised intersection has been calculated iv) Estimation of total carbon footprint of fuel loss in Delhi during idling of vehicles at selected intersections using IPCC Guidelines. The scope of the study is limited to the signalized intersections only. The results indicate that idling CO2 emission contribute 9% of the total emissions from transport sector in Delhi in 2004.Delay causes fuel loss, time loss and emissions. Thus to curb these losses it is very important to adopt proper policies and mitigation measures.