STA SMART TALKS WITH RICARDO LOBO: APPLYING TAXONOMY TO SUSTAINABLE ROAD OPERATIONS
Join us for the fourth episode of the STA Smart Talks. On this episode, host & STA President, Dr José Papí, invites Mr Ricardo Lobo, Global Head of Innovation at Aleatica, for a fruitful discussion on how the EU taxonomy criteria can be applied to road transport operations and presents to us real-case examples from his company, that pave the way for a more sustainable future for transport industry.
Mr Ricardo Lobo presents the fundamental principles of his company, that are fully aligned with European Green Deal objectives. As an example, he states that for the reduction of emissions, the company has set an ambitious strategy goal for a 40% reduction by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as part of the business model.
Additionally, he clarifies the distinction between the economic activities that can be considered environmentally sustainable under the EU Taxonomy criteria:
enabling activities, meaning activities that are enabled to contribute directly to one or more environmental objectives under the taxonomy criteria;
transition activities, activities for which low-carbon alternatives are not yet available, although they can be aligned with taxonomy criteria if the levels of greenhouse gas emission correspond to the best performance in the sector.
To highlight his points he presents briefly best practice examples that have been already developed or are currently working on to embrace the sustainability objectives set by the EU taxonomy system.
Climate-change mitigation
The cutting-edge electric highway system A35 Arena del Futuro for charging electric cars as they drive on the roadway can be the solution for the mass adoption of electric vehicles, as they will not require large batteries;
Additionally, Aleatica is working on engaging photovoltaic solar energy in road transport operations and transiting to LED lighting, leading toward an eco-friendlier future.
Climate-change adaptation
Management of river banks on highways;
Measuring the thermal insulation, meaning measuring the temperature variation over insulation and also the amount of heat transferred through the insulating material creates better and safer working conditions for the people involved.
Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources
Measures on control of water waste & continuous improvement of water management, by installing filters on water, that circulate back clean water from road systems that can be reused safely for farming and other activities, enhancing water protection and resources
Transition to a circular economy
Implementing actions towards initiatives and environmental practices based on reuse, recovery and recycling processes;
In cooperation with the ALTABATT+ project, which processes retired lithium batteries from electric vehicles to manufacture solar energy-storage units, aims to reduce the environmental footprint of electric car batteries.
Pollution Prevention & Control
Use of emissions catalysts for maintenance of vehicles. Furthermore, ALEATICA is developing a project on Onshore Power Supply (OPS), meaning that vessels in ports for their activities, as an alternative to electricity, can be hooked up to an onshore power supply energy arriving from the port, resulting in the reduction not only of carbon emissions but also noise, cost and creating better working conditions.
Protection and Restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems
Various voluntary projects with huge environmental impact, engaging the company’s employees. As an example, we can mention that only in 2022, 70,825 trees were planted.
Watch the full episode below & learn more about how road operations can contribute to creating a greener path for Europe and its citizens.
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Author: Eftychia Koliou (Smart Transportation Alliance)