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Technology and the Environment
Where are we now? Air quality is improving in most Australian cities, due in part to cleaner vehicle technology and cleaner fuels. Nevertheless, motor vehicles remain a significant contributor to urban air pollution and vehicle numbers and usage continue to increase. Regular surveys of motorists' priorities and attitudes conducted by ANOP Research for AAA indicate that motorists are concerned about the effects of the car on the environment. When motorists are asked to nominate, unprompted, their "realistic" solutions for reducing the impact that cars have on the environment, it is clear that the community's faith remains in new fuels and new types of cars - rather than in solutions that reduce car usage such as better public transport or encouraging people to drive less. While urban air quality has improved and is generally good, expected growth in vehicles and distance travelled has the potential to reduce air quality. In 2002 Australia introduced new fuel and vehicle emission standards as the first step in addressing this potential problem. In 2005/06 the Federal Government introduced the Euro 3 standard for petrol cars. In 2003 the Australian government undertook a review of fuel standards and vehicle emissions. Research for the review estimated that 80 per cent of the carbon dioxide in some Australian cities can be attributed to motor vehicles. While smaller figures were estimated for other pollutants, these also showed levels that should be addressed. Estimated Contribution (%) of Motor Vehicles to Selected Urban Air Pollutants in Sydney  Source: Motor Vehicle Environment Committee - Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Standards Review, 2003. It is estimated that greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector increased by 20 percent between 1990 to 2000 and it is predicted that levels in 2010 will be 47 percent higher than 1990 levels. Almost 60 percent of these greenhouse gas emissions are from passenger cars. What Needs to be Done? Fuel quality, vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency have potential for significant improvement and these improvements need to be encouraged through Government policy. Fuel Quality and Vehicle Emissions AAA supported the Government's review to introduce the Euro 4 standards for petrol and passenger cars emissions from 2008. Introduction of these new standards will reduce pollution emitted by passenger cars by up to 50 percent of those under Euro 3. Comparison of Euro 3 and Euro 4 for Light Petrol Vehicles (g/km)  Source: Motor Vehicle Environment Committee - Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Standards Review, 2003. Incentives While the AAA supports a legislated minimum for fuel quality, the government should also introduce incentives to encourage earlier introduction. The changes in excise, as already signalled by the government in the 2003 budget for the "cleaner" fuels, is an example of government action. However, it is not necessary to introduce penalties by increasing excise on existing fuels to pay for any reduction in excise on "cleaner fuels". Motorists need positive encouragement, not further penalties. Fuel Consumption Australian vehicle manufacturers have committed to a voluntary fuel consumption target for new passenger cars of 6.8 l / 100 km by 2010. This target represents an 18 per cent improvement over the 2001 rate and will require improvements at twice the rate achieved over the last 20 years. It is intended that this target will result in an overall reduction in greenhouse and pollutant gas emissions from passenger cars over the long term. While the AAA supports this initiative, more can still be done. The voluntary target does not include some of the fastest growing sectors of the Australian new car market - 4WDs and light commercial vehicles - and is behind the current European targets. Biofuels With a government commitment for a viable biofuels industry, a variety of biofuels have been proposed for widespread use in Australia, including biodiesel and ethanol blends in petrol. The recent rise of publicity on biofuels in Australia has created a level of confusion among motorists. Many motorists feel uneasy about buying biofuels, with nearly two thirds having reservations about buying petrol containing ethanol and only two in ten do not have any qualms. Given this, AAA has argued that the introduction of any biofuel or biofuel blend (such as E10) must meet the following requirements:
Environmental Rating of Cars The government has developed a "Green Vehicles Guide" to provide new car buyers with advice on the environmental impact, fuel efficiency and emissions, of new cars. While the Green Vehicles Guide does provide information to consumers in a simple to use format AAA is concerned that it essentially only outlines which vehicles meet regulatory standards. There is little opportunity in the guide to highlight vehicles where the emission performance exceeds the minimum standards or uses hybrid technology. Public availability of information showing how much a new vehicle exceeds the regulatory standard would allow new car buyers (both individuals and fleet owners) to take the actual environmental performance into consideration when deciding on a new vehicle purchase. |
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