State-of-the-art indicators will be used by the City of Tokyo to measure fuel efficiency of freight trucks, enabling the shipping industry to choose the most environmentally friendly freight companies.
The City of Tokyo seeks to reduce CO2 emissions by making freight trucks’ efficiency completely transparent. Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) launched the world’s first fuel efficiency indicator for freight transport by collecting data from 960,000 trucks each month, analyzing more than seven million samples, and categorizing them in 60 different segments based on parameters such as type of trucks, fuel, and total weight of the vehicles. Based on the indicators, TMG evaluates CO2 reduction efforts by freight companies in a quantitative manner and encourages freight companies to make further efforts. Freight companies that can show progress will be prioritized by shippers, and their efforts will be visible on the trucks with a one- to three-star rating system.
20% reduction of CO2 emissions has been achieved for trucks participating in the program
Cities100 – 2017
In total, 264 freight companies are participating in the program, and the number of participating vehicles exceeds 10,000 trucks. As freight trucks are expensive to replace with more environmentally friendly ones, promoting a more efficient driving style is a more viable approach for many companies. If all trucks in Tokyo implemented eco-driving, an 8% reduction of CO2 emissions could be expected in the transport sector.
The challenge
Tokyo plans to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% below 2000 levels by 2030, and the transport sector is set to reduce CO2 emissions by 60%. Targeting the freight transport industry will be important to reach these goals, as trucks account for approximately 40% of CO2 emissions from vehicles.
Co-benefits
Economic By driving more eco-friendly, a 20% reduction in fuel consumption has been achieved, saving the companies on operating costs each month.
Environmental Air quality in the city will improve, as eco-driving reduces NOx and CO2 emissions.
Health According to a survey, eco-driving has contributed to a 49% reduction in traffic accidents.
About Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of its 47 prefectures. The Greater Tokyo Area is the most populous metropolitan area in the world. Tokyo ranked first in the Global Economic Power Index and fourth in the Global Cities Index. The city is considered an alpha+ world city – and in 2014, Tokyo was ranked first in the “Best overall experience” category of TripAdvisor’s World City Survey. Tokyo was ranked as the 11th most expensive city for expatriates and in 2015, Tokyo was named the Most Liveable City in the world by the magazine Monocle. The Michelin Guide has awarded Tokyo by far the most Michelin stars of any city in the world. Tokyo ranked first in the world in the Safe Cities Index.
