Much of the Progress in Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector Attributed to Technology Developments, Policy Ambition, and Consumer Interest in Climate Solutions
During an interview with Forbes, Karin Svensson, Volvo Group’s chief sustainability officer, and Spencer Reeder, Audi of America’s director of government affairs and sustainability, discussed how Volvo Group and Audi are reducing emissions from their own operations. They are focusing on decarbonizing their supply chains and identifying opportunities to increase profitability.
Reducing Emissions in Material Production and Usage
The largest carbon footprint in the transportation sector comes from the energy used to manufacture vehicle batteries, steel, iron, and aluminum. These materials represent a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions in passenger vehicle supply chains.
Offering EVs is Just the Beginning
The transportation sector is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, with cars and vans accounting for a significant portion of these emissions. In addition to making electric vehicles available to customers, manufacturers must also focus on reducing their own environmental footprints.
Analyzing How Audi & the Volvo Group are Embracing a Circular Economy Approach
Both Volvo Group and Audi have made commitments to achieve net zero emissions in alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement. They are diversifying materials, shifting to renewable energy sources, integrating recycled materials into vehicles, and upskilling employees to work on both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles.
- Audi is planning to achieve carbon neutrality at all its sites by 2025 and has already implemented carbon-neutral production at its Ingolstadt plant.
- Volvo Group is gradually shifting its production facilities to renewable energy sources and has partnered with a supplier to source fossil-free steel for its electric vehicles.
Both companies are also looking for ways to convert to renewable power investments, integrate recycled materials, diversify their supply chains, and ensure a positive charging experience for electric vehicle drivers.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The SDGs that are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific targets under those SDGs that can be identified based on the article’s content are:
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- SDG 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:
- Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Investments in renewable power
- Reduction in emissions from material production
- Reduction in material use
- Integration of climate change measures into policies and planning
- Number of partnerships established for sustainable supply chains and infrastructure development
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | – Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix – Investments in renewable power |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. | – Reduction in emissions from material production – Reduction in material use |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Integration of climate change measures into policies and planning |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. | – Reduction in emissions from material production – Reduction in material use |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Integration of climate change measures into policies and planning |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships. | – Number of partnerships established for sustainable supply chains and infrastructure development |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cleantechnica.com
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