The Ecological Transport Information Tool (EcoTransIT) calculates environmental impacts of any freight transport. Thereby it is possible to determine the energy consumption, CO2 and exhaust emissions transported by rail, road, ship and aircraft in any combination. EcoTransIT is free of charge for any non-commercial use. The innovative “EcoTransIT World” platform provides all those concerned with the carbon print generated at global level by the four most important modes of transport. This instrument supports the choice of intelligent transport alternatives, in case that the sustainability advantages of every transport mode are exploited and combined into a common system. This system provides free access for forwarders, carriers and logistics suppliers, as well as free and reliable information about their carbon print, in conformity with the standards set for an eco-friendly transport system. EcoTransIT was developed by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu) in Heidelberg and the Rail Managements Consultants GmbH. The project had the support of several railway transport operators in Europe, such as DB Schenker, SBB, Green Cargo, Trenitalia, SNCF, SNCB and RENFE.
Easier for operators
Users can introduce any number of points of departure, destinations and intermediary stops in order to view various transport combinations and compare their emission level. This helps the carrier decide not only which transport chain is cheaper, but also which is more eco-friendly for its company. Further on, users can easily sketch the impact of the type of transport on the environment in case of all major routes in the entire world. “EcoTransIT World” can also display the transport alternative chosen in Google Maps and Google Earth.
Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, UIC Director General, together with Volker Kefer, member of the Deutsche Bahn Management Board, Services and Tehnology division, have successfully launched the “EcoTransIT World” web application during the International Transport Forum (ITF) held in Leipzig.
“Using “EcoTransIT World”, we can provide reliable carbon prints for all the logistics chains at global level. “EcoTransIT World” brings a significant contribution to recent talks about the calculation of greenhouse gas emission impact generated by the transport sector. This provides a fair, balanced, scientifically proven methodology, which was approved by environmental institutions not involved in the transport sector”, explained Jean-Pierre Loubinoux.
The next step would be to invite partners to cooperate and to join the “EcoTransIT World” consortium. The aim is to set a common standard for the transport sector in terms of carbon print evaluation, transport emission reduction and eco-friendly logistics chains. The EcoTransIT World event will be held on October 5, 2010, at UIC head offices in Paris. The workshop concerns mainly forwarders, carriers and freight logistics service suppliers.
“Low carbon emissions represent the strongest sales argument. “EcoTransIT World” is aimed at helping customers choose the proper modes of transport and the most eco-friendly transport chain”, explained Volker Kefer. “The transport sector should seek new ways and improve its “old habits” in order to reduce oil dependency and provide green, safe, efficient and accessible solutions”, outlined Jack Short, ITF Secretary General.
What is new at EcoTransIT World?
This platform provides wide coverage and new methods especially for maritime and air transport, new access possibilities for users. Moreover, it provides individual configurations for transport chains, including any amount of intermediary points; it offers extended specifications for any type of traffic, as well as an updated calculation draft based on the public methodology report.
Notif-IT, rail safety regulations “only one click away”
On June 1, 2010, the European Commission launched the Notif-IT database, which provides national rail safety regulations and national technical specifications. Notif-IT simplifies the notification and validation process for the European Railway Agency (ERA) and also facilitates the publication of notified regulations.
The Notif-IT database can be accessed from the European Railway Agency Database of Interoperability and Safety (ERADIS), http://pdb.era.europa.eu. The notified national rail safety regulations posted on the ERADIS platform have been transferred on the Notif-IT platform.
The European Railway Agency will support the European Commission in the evaluation of the notifications and the management of this database.
by Elena Ilie
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