Dubai, Dec 27th, 2011 (WAM) -- Masdar Institute of Science and Technology today participated in a workshop on Intelligent Urban Transport organized here by the Chair Management of Network Industries MIR, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the EPFL Middle East.
Over 15 senior and high profile participants from the UAE, GCC region and Switzerland attended the event that was held in Dubai. Dr. Sgouris Sgouridis, Assistant Professor - Engineering Systems and Management, shared his research outcomes on intelligent transport systems (ITS) and exchanged expertise with other stakeholders on ITS in the region. Dr. Sgouridis said: "Only through efficient vehicles and reduced vehicle use could we achieve sustainability. Energy efficiency and conservation increase fuel economy can be achieved for two billion cars from 30-60 miles per gallon (mpg) through the right size of the car with the right power. At the same time, decrease car travel for two billion 30-mpg cars could be possible by urban design, mass transit and telecommuting. "One of the most effective ways of combating climate change would be to improve specific aspects of our everyday interaction with the environment; transportation is a case in point. Carpooling for 20km with someone already driving to where you are going instead of taking your own car can save energy to the tune of 108 MJs. Use of bikes or even walking whenever possible makes a huge difference in saving energy."The transport sector globally is the single highest energy consumer (around 19%) producing around a quarter of the worlds CO2 emissions. Although road transport accounts for 75% of worldwide transport CO2 emissions according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), aviation and shipping are rapidly catching up. However, the global aviation industry today contributes around 2.1% of CO2 emissions and initiatives in the use of alternative fuels for air transport are beginning to really take off.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2011.
