Sustain ability in transport environment

Abstract

Designs for Sustainability and Eco-friendly are words that many of us get confused, misinterpreted and misused. Being sustainable means construction of an asset using optimal amount or resourcing and whole of life cycle cost of creation and maintenance of that asset and the ability to sustain to serve for future generations without difficulties. Eco-friendly design means making a design to minimize impacts on the environment, bio diversity & eco-systems. There are new trends on investments in sustainable modes of transport to optimise sustainability with minimal impacts on the environment, and creating healthier and prosperous societies and economies. Hence, the today's challenge is to make a balance on both and between the sustainability and being eco-friendly. For example, if we construct a new road pavement with new with kerb & channel, that solution should last for generations if used the right methodology, resources in a quality system. However residuals from wear & tear (of tyres and bituminous seal) release nasty chemical components to the environment through the provided drainage reticulation system. The resultant would be damaging the natural habitats of fish, flora & fauna, irreversible, natural environment and in today's built environment and urbanism. In contrary if we construct the road without kerblines but surface drainage fall into a grassed swale would filter and absorb contaminants naturally before the disposal into the rest of the environment. This process would also delay the time of concentration and provide managing the disposal system efficiently. However, there are some issues & challenges that we need to manage in a system approach using both eco-friendly and sustainability factors. For instance, potential to drive over and mis-use defined extents would cause in maintaining the system without additional investments. Hence, creating a more sustainable built-environment mitigating environmental impacts should provide maximum benefits to the society and the environment. To achieve this objective, there should be a better understanding among the parties who create facilities and societies that would enjoy the facilities in a win-win situation. Winning the sound support from the wider community and disciplined use of the asset are important in managing the life cycle of the assets.