Innovation

The initiative, which was set in motion in 2018, is making significant strides towards its goal of replacing the existing fleet of 1,350 diesel buses with low-emissions-battery electric buses in Auckland, New Zealand by 2035. In just a few years, we have successfully transitioned 10% of our diesel fleet services to battery electric services, a testament to our commitment and progress. This achievement paves the way for a future that is cleaner and more sustainable.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Electric buses have much lower emissions intensity than diesel buses, which helps mitigate global warming; this measure directly supports climate action (SDG 13).

Improving Air Quality:

Electric buses produce zero noise and tailpipe emissions, promoting better air and environment quality. Rather than having individual cars on the road, E-buses can transport several people, which consumes less energy per passenger km of travel. This aligns with responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) by promoting sustainable transportation choices. Equitable Access: The initiative improves bus service in underserved regions such as South and West Auckland, ensuring more equitable access to public transit. This contributes to social equity (SDG 10) by bridging mobility gaps while providing opportunities for the wider community.

In conclusion, this approach to public transportation transition contributes towards socio-ecological benefits by integrating sustainable practices for a better future for Auckland and the world.

The then Mayor Goff signed Auckland's commitment to the C40 Fossil Fuel Free Streets Declaration in Oct 2017 to combat the global issue of climate change. According to Mayor Goff, a substantial portion of the city will be zero emission by 2030.

Auckland Transport committed to replacing all its diesel public transportation buses with low-emission vehicles by 2040 when it unveiled its first Low-Emission Bus Roadmap (LEBR) in 2018.

Auckland Transport has also started electrifying its corporate fleet and installed EV chargers in parking lots owned by the Council throughout the city.

Who:

The initiative is led by Auckland Transport (AT) in New Zealand.

Collaborators include Auckland Council, Waka Kotahi, bus operators, and Vector, a T&D line company.

NZ Bus Depot, Kinetic. (New Zealand’s first fully electric bus depot unveiled (at. Govt.nz)

What:

The particular strategy is to replace the diesel buses with electric ones by 2035.

The electric buses are part of a total order of 152 e-buses agreed upon between Auckland Transport and NZ Bus.

These e-buses are deployed at New Zealand’s first fully electric bus depot in Auckland. (at. Govt.nz)

When:

New Zealand’s first fully electric bus depot was unveiled and is currently in operation as part of the continuous switch to electric vehicles. (at. Govt.nz)

The project aligns with the New Zealand government's mandate to decarbonize urban buses completely by 2035.

Where:

The solution has been applied in Auckland, New Zealand.

It focuses, in particular, on enhancing bus service in neglected areas such as South and West Auckland.

How:

Diesel buses are being phased out with electric buses.

This approach minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a cleaner environment by substituting diesel buses.

Furthermore, it improves equal access to public transit for those in underserved areas.

Impact on UN SDGs:

• Climate Action (SDG 13): The transition to electric buses directly addresses climate change by reducing emissions. Expected to reduce 1.2 million tonnes of CO2e by 2035.

• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): The shift from diesel to electric promotes sustainable transportation practices.

• Social Equity (SDG 10): Improving bus services in underserved areas ensures equitable mobility opportunities for all residents. Also, it is expected to deliver a cumulative social monetized benefit of $695 million by 2035.

• Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17): By collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, customers can reach net zero by the given timeline. (works with NZTA, Auckland Council, Local Boards, etc.)

This innovative approach integrates diversity, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices, positively impacting worldwide.

Inspiration

I initially discussed this with Dr. Manoj K. Pokhrel, an Auckland Transport Senior Energy and Carbon Advisor. He mentioned that throughout his career, he incorporated sustainability into his professional work, making it a personal passion aligned with professional commitment. As he has gone further into several businesses, his commitment to sustainability has only deepened, leading to significant contributions to the subject throughout his career. Dr. Manoj described his experience in transportation from the technical aspect to the public service and the objective of shifting to sustainable transportation. He was tasked to model a low-emission bus road map for the Auckland region. That became one of the central core delivery areas and his motivation for doing it well. 2 versions were released, and it was further updated to the third version to align with the government’s target of doing all low-emissions post roadmap by 2035. It’s the living document that keeps on getting feedback. This is the most significant contribution so far. The primary purpose is to reduce our emissions and usage of fossil fuels and use more renewable energy resources like electricity, resulting in less noise pollution. So, the purpose is guided by some principles, and those principles are as below, as expressed by Dr. Manoj,

“listening and responding to the needs of our customers and communities. Leading and partnering, bringing all players together to take a kind of a whole system perspective.”

The critical point is “to deliver seamless and reliable public transport network, a resilient and sustainable transport system in Auckland.”

The motivation and purpose behind this innovation was to reduce harm to people and the environment, highlighting the importance of reducing operational emissions and contributing to a sustainable future while also addressing noise and pollution concerns.

Overall impact

The overall impact can be categorized based on economy, social and environmental governance, and best practices. This covers significant areas, including.

Business Benefit:

Reduces operational service costs of running the buses as electricity is cheaper than diesel fuel. It also provides financial savings for operators in the long run as maintenance costs are lower for electric buses.

Social and Environmental Benefits:

The benefits revolve around social and environmental impacts as part of the global sustainability goals.

Society:

It improves public health by reducing noise and air pollution from buses, especially for people living and working near bus routes. It provides more equitable access to public transportation by improving bus services in underserved areas like South and West Auckland.

Environment:

Replacing diesel buses with electric buses reduces greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption. Hence, lowering emissions contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals like responsible consumption/production and climate action.

Business benefit

The scheme reduces operational service costs of running the buses as electricity is cheaper than diesel fuel. It also provides financial savings for operators in the long run as maintenance costs are lower for electric buses.

Auckland Transport aims to realize these goals and ambitions by minimizing the impact on the natural environment and human well-being by protecting the waterways and the air, improving social and economic equity, and restoring biodiversity as part of infrastructure and services. As transport is the most significant contributor to 45% of greenhouse gas emissions in the Auckland region, and the current trajectory of GHG emissions isn’t good, Auckland Transport is working hard to decarbonize emissions within its operational control or influence. As such, Auckland Transport has already realized its 2030 target of 50% operational emissions reduction six years earlier and is working to make the target more ambitious. As a guardian of more than $26 billion of transport assets, it has set another bold target to reduce its embodied emissions by 50% by 2031.

Social and environmental benefit

It improves public health by reducing noise and air pollution from buses, especially for people living and working near bus routes. It provides more equitable access to public transportation by improving bus services in underserved areas like South and West Auckland.

Replacing diesel buses with electric buses reduces greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption. Hence, lowering emissions contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals like responsible consumption/production and climate action.

Auckland Transport has already embarked on a low-emissions bus roadmap, aiming to transition its public transport bus service to a low-emissions bus service by 2035. This is a crucial part of the company's sustainability decarbonization strategy, which is committed to providing low-emissions public transport services and influencing a shift from private to public transportation. These initiatives are already making a significant impact, helping to reduce the environmental footprint of Auckland Transport activities by minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Substantial investments have been made in this area, demonstrating our commitment and progress.

Interview

Dr. Manoj K.Pokhrel, Senior Energy and Carbon Advisor