Future on the Move: Integrating Policy, Technology, and Society for Sustainable Mobility

Achieving sustainable mobility requires a multifaceted approach that bridges policy, technology, and societal values. The TüV SüD and IEEE UN Science Summit session on Sustainable Mobility recently brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore sustainable mobility solutions. From regulatory frameworks to cutting-edge advancements, the synthesis of diverse perspectives reveals a roadmap for how innovation in mobility can align with global sustainability goals while overcoming regulatory and practical challenges. ?

Thought leaders in the field emphasize the importance of developing a comprehensive impact assessment framework that goes beyond technical and environmental concerns to include social implications and the need for the necessary shifts in mobility behaviours.?

The Role of Harmonized Policy and Standards?

Effective policy-making is crucial for the deployment of innovative mobility solutions.? Chief Technology Officer for Mobility at TüV SüD, points out that while significant investments are being made in technological advancements, regulatory frameworks are lagging behind. This creates a bottleneck, impeding the rapid deployment of new solutions into the market. He proposes the creation of an international network to develop a family of standards that would provide a holistic assessment framework for mobility systems. This would encompass sustainability, safety, societal change, and the broader mobility transition.?

These standards act as a bridge between industrial practices and regulation, ensuring that regulations are both effective and adaptable to technological advancements over time. By basing standards on functioning business models, they can harmonize best practices and guidelines across regions and sectors. This approach would enable a regulatory environment that supports innovation and facilitates the integration of new mobility solutions into existing systems.?

Moreover, he underscores the need to consider societal change when assessing the acceptability of new mobility systems. Traditionally, the focus has been on decarbonization and safety, but to truly achieve sustainable mobility, it must be accessible and acceptable to all segments of society. We require a shift from viewing mobility merely as a service to recognizing it as a fundamental human right, which requires inclusive and equitable solutions.?

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Catalysts for Sustainable Mobility?

Innovation and entrepreneurship play pivotal roles in driving sustainable mobility solutions. Elena Dieckmann, professor at Imperial College London, who is at the forefront of supporting such innovations, highlights several examples of innovation projects that have the potential to help reshape urban transport:?

1. Airtomo: A portable device designed to improve air quality in London's heavily strained tube network. By releasing water vapor to capture and settle dust particles, it creates a healthier underground environment for commuters.?

2. Tyre Collective: This device tackles tyre abrasion pollution, an issue that has become more pronounced with the increased weight of electric vehicles. It captures tyre particulates, preventing them from being released into the environment and posing an immediate health risk.?

3. GoEve’s Dockchain: A multi-plug?charger that allows multiple cars to charge simultaneously, making fast charging accessible to a broader audience and addressing one of the major barriers to EV adoption.?

4. CityGlider: A shoe prototype that increases walking speed by 10%, encouraging more people to opt for walking over short car trips, thereby reducing traffic congestion and emissions.?

Dieckmann emphasizes that while innovations often hold immense potential, they face significant challenges. High initial investment costs, complex testing and certification processes, and the difficulty of scaling internationally due to varying regulations are substantial hurdles. She calls for frameworks that support entrepreneurs in overcoming these challenges, enabling a smoother transition for innovative mobility solutions to reach the market and make a tangible impact.?

Autonomous Mobility and Urban Planning?

Autonomous mobility offers transformative potential for urban and suburban transportation. Jan Hegner, who has been developing Dromos, an autonomous mobility system specifically for these areas, envisions a network of lightweight, autonomous vehicles operating on separate lanes?This system, designed to be cost-effective and high-capacity, promises a congestion-free transport solution that aligns with the "15-minute city" concept—reducing car dependency by ensuring that essential services are within a short reach of residents.?

Hegner argues that traditional public transport systems, despite their scale, often require substantial subsidies and fail to address the growing need for shared mobility solutions that are both flexible and efficient. He advocates for a change in mindset among decision-makers to prioritize innovative solutions like autonomous transport systems that can meet the evolving demands of urban mobility while being economically sustainable.?

Addressing Mobility Challenges in Emerging Markets?

Emerging markets face unique challenges in implementing sustainable mobility solutions, requiring approaches that are both resourceful and culturally intelligent. Dr. Himani Jain, from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, India stresses the importance of urban planning that is rooted in local culture and requires frugal infrastructure and investments. Global South cities are typically high-density with large informal sectors and shared paratransit. Thus, the planned transport systems need to be adaptable, flexible; and street infrastructure should be resilient using local materials and techniques that reflect the community's needs and their traditions.??

Himani provides examples of how simple interventions, such as distributing bicycles in rural areas, have led to significant improvements in education and health outcomes. She emphasizes that mobility should be considered a human right, and any impact assessment framework must account for the need for choice of mobility first, regardless of socioeconomic status. She gives examples of large national e-bus programmes, and electric vehicles policies evolution that shift focus away from cars to public transport in emerging economies.?

Doreen Orishaba from BasiGo, an e-mobility startup in Kenya, adds that the adoption of electric vehicles in Africa faces four primary challenges:?

1. High Upfront Costs: Electric vehicles are often expensive, making them less accessible to the general population.?

2. Inadequate Charging Infrastructure: The lack of widespread charging stations is a major barrier to adoption.?

3. Service and Maintenance: New technology requires specialized skills and resources, which are currently limited in many regions.?

4. Market-Specific Design: Each market has unique needs that must be addressed for the technology to be successful.?

Orishaba highlights BasiGo's innovative solutions, such as mileage-based fees to make electric buses more affordable and the establishment of charging stations to support operators. She calls for a collaborative approach that involves both government and private sector stakeholders to create an environment conducive to sustainable mobility.?

Standardization: A Pillar of Sustainable Mobility?

Standardization is also essential for driving sustainable mobility forward. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that new mobility technologies are safe, sustainable, and widely accessible. Dr. Hermann Brand, European Standards Affairs Director at IEEE Technology Center, emphasizes the need to consider the social implications of these technologies from the outset. He argues for robust technology governance frameworks to prevent negative outcomes and ensure that innovations contribute positively to society.?

Aleksandar Damyanov from Green NCAP, advocates for a life cycle assessment approach that considers all aspects of sustainability, from material sourcing to end-of-life disposal. Damyanov points out that global disparities in standards pose a significant challenge, as regions with lower standards may not fully benefit from technological advancements and safety improvements.?

The timing of standardization is also crucial. Setting standards too early can stifle innovation, while setting them too late can result in wasted resources and missed opportunities. The goal is to strike a balance that supports innovation while providing a reliable framework for safety and sustainability. Harmonizing standards across regions is essential for facilitating global cooperation and progress in sustainable mobility.?

Developing an Impact Assessment Framework?

To maximize the potential of new mobility technologies in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is essential to have robust assessment tools that measure their sustainability benefits and align with global standards. Leonis Petschman of Vindelici Advisors, ?argues for the need to integrate business, politics, and civil society efforts to drive this transformation. ?

The need for international cooperation and a stable regulatory environment is paramount for long-term investments in sustainable mobility solutions. This approach would enable a cohesive global effort to develop sustainable mobility systems that are not only technologically advanced but also socially equitable and environmentally sound.?

A Call for Collaborative Action?

Achieving sustainable mobility is a complex challenge that requires collaboration across sectors and regions. It involves more than just technological innovation; it demands a shift in societal attitudes and a commitment to viewing mobility as a fundamental human right. By integrating mobility into the broader framework of the SDGs, we can create systems that are not only efficient and sustainable but also equitable and accessible to all.?

The path forward involves developing a family of standards that enables the assessment of mobility systems from multiple perspectives, supporting innovation while ensuring safety and sustainability. The call to action is clear: policymakers, businesses, and civil society must work together to build a future where sustainable mobility is the norm, not the exception.??

By 2028, The TüV SüD and IEEE SustainMobility initiative will be the pioneering international effort to offer a comprehensive family of standards for a holistic sustainability impact assessment of mobility systems under IEEE SA. These standards will encompass the essential elements of the United Nations' 17 Sustainability Goals, including aspects of Decarbonization, Safety, Security, Societal Change, such as affordability, accessibility, and acceptance, and mobility transition. Additionally, they will address the necessary trade-offs. This vision will serve as a beacon, reshaping our approach to mobility and sustainability, and will play a crucial role in forging a safer, more equitable, and sustainable future for all.?

This program will be established as a collaborative and international initiative, involving multiple stakeholders from diverse industry sectors and geographical regions. TüV SüD aims to amplify impact by organizing workshops at global events such as the World Economic Forum and G7 / G20 Global Solution Summit. Through these efforts, we will foster a shared understanding and commitment to sustainability in mobility systems, driving progress and innovation across industries. ?