Problems Solutions Good Practices - UITP

Solution 8
22
Making more energy efficient cities by
increasing density and public transport use
UITP studies show that the densest cities are also the most
energy-efficient for traffic purposes.
In low-density areas, the car dominates the choice of
transport.
Denser urban areas are more energy-efficient because
they favour:
• Non-motorized trips, as distances are short enough for
people to access jobs, leisure, retails by walking or
cycling;
• Public transport (as shown in the UITP Millennium Cities
Database) is more energy-efficient than cars.
Energy Use by Urban Mode
(MJ/Passenger-km)
Mode Vehicles Production Fuel Total
Light Rail 0.7 1.4 2.1
Bus 0.7 2.1 2.8
Heavy Rail 0.9 1.9 2.8
Car, Petrol 1.4 3.0 4.4
Car, Diesel 1.4 3.3 4.7
From production to use, public transport is more energy-efficient
Density vs Energy Consumption
per inhabitants per year for traffic
purposes
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Putting an end to urban sprawl will lead
to more energy-efficient cities
Energy consumption (megaJ)
120000
100000
80000
60000
40000
20000
Density (inhab/ha)