Green jobs

In the up coming elections in Sweden the green investments, technology and jobs have evolved to a central subject. The green party (Miljöpartiet) is running a dialogue with potential stake holders, such as bus manufacturers. We are of course happy for the attention and opportunity to increase employment in the sustainable transport sector and to contribute to a better environment at the same time.

 

 

The Volvo 7700 Hybrid introduced in Trondheim, Norway, is an example of very green jobs. In this picture the 7700 Hybrid demo bus is parked in front of the Nidaros Cathedral with history starting in 1070.

 

A recent study performed for the UK shows the employment in sustainable transports. The sustainable transports studied are: rail, light rail, bus and coach, cycles and walking. It is found that most jobs can be created in the bus and coach sector (62% of the direct jobs in sustainable transports and 46% of the jobs in the supply chain for sustainable transports).

 

In the study it is concluded that the sustainable transport sector is a major employer in the UK. Interestingly, it is found that when people switch from cars to public transports from an employment standpoint this change is favourable. The job creation in the public transport sector more than compensates the decline of jobs in the car industry.

 

You can read the study here.

 

Hybrids are cheaper to run than diesel buses

A recent issue of the Danish public transport journal (Danske Busvognmaend) analyse the costs for diesel buses, Diesel-Electrical Hybrid buses and biodiesel buses. You need to find a paper issue in the Danish language, to read the full story. But the conclusion is that it is 1% cheaper for the Danish operators to buy and operate hybrid buses than to buy and operate standard diesel buses. While, it is 7% more expensive to use biodiesel than standard diesel.

I recently calculated the environmental life cycle cost that can be expected from the upcoming Euro VI buses. Without knowing all the details of the fuel consumption for Euro VI, I just assumed some three percent increase as compared to today’s Euro V bus. And, I found that the total environmental life cycle cost for society will decrease by about 5%. While comparing to the hybrid that we already have today (Euro V certified) that gives about 33% less environmental life cycle cost for society.

The conclusion is thus, the Volvo 7700 Hybrid is by far cleaner than the Euro VI buses will become and it is cheaper to run!