The T-PRI represents the creation of an objective, spatially referenced measure of transport poverty risk that offers a consistent and coherent means of assessing and comparing transport poverty risk at a fine scale. It is also capable of examining the influence of a variety of dynamic drivers of change. Analysis with the T-PRI is undertaken using GIS software at Small Area (SA) level. In total, there are 18,641 SAs in Ireland, each containing, on average, 80 to 120 households.

The composite approach allows for a multidimensional analysis of transport poverty by combining, in this case, eight indicators which inform three weighted categories which relate to: Transport Accessibility (T-ACC), Transport Mobility (T-MOB), Transport Affordability (T-AFF). The three categories are combined and weighted to produce the overall T-PRI. The final T-PRI ranges from 1 (Low Transport Poverty Risk) to 10 (High Transport Poverty Risk) can then be mapped at SA Level.

The full internationally peer reviewed methodology is available here.

This methodology can support policymakers in assessing the outcomes of different EV penetration scenarios and outcomes in terms of GHGs emissions, air pollutants, and managing national progress toward international targets. It delivers a granular assessment of multiple vehicle electrification scenarios to inform the degree of urgency, scale of support, and the focus and timing of interventions appropriate for defined EV penetration ambitions. Results show that a faster electric vehicle uptake more than doubles the cumulative GHG emissions reduction by 2030. E-van and E-truck transitions are particularly important. Impacts on air pollution are modest due to the continued improvement of Euro standards. Broader vehicle choice, information campaigns, infrastructure investment, and fiscal policy incentives can all accelerate the rates of fleet change at a cost. Policy must therefore choose where, when, and how much to intervene with incentives, weighing the potential for positive emission outcomes against the level and timing of investment and supports to the market.

The full internationally peer reviewed methodology is available here.

This methodology spatially analyses emissions and air pollutant concentration outcomes for both targeted and non-targeted deployments of heat pumps and shows that a focused deployment of 3% of the national heat pump target on solid-fuel homes could offer similar progress on climate goals but with a substantial impact in terms of reducing air pollution hot spots. For the Irish residential heating season (October–March), the targeted solid fuel scenario delivers average PM_2.5 concentration decreases of 20–34%. The results identify targeted communities as often being in areas of relative deprivation, and as such, direct support for fabric retrofitting and heat pump technology installation offers the potential to simultaneously advance climate, air, and just transition policy ambition.

The full internationally peer reviewed methodology is available here.

The methodology offers the capacity to analyse changes in TCO associated with specific policy intervention proposals, including travel patterns, car-segment pricing, taxation, grant policy, fuel costs, and carbon pricing. It is not limited to understanding how changes in certain parameters will influence TCO; it can also demonstrate how policy may design or modify interventions to manage changes and drive accelerated EV uptake rates. For example, the impact of the removal of the existing EV subsidy in a case country can be calculated to test the relevance of the current subsidy scheme for the TCOs of the selected best-selling cars and what would happen if it were removed.

The full internationally peer reviewed methodology is available here.

Analysis with the WFAI is undertaken using GIS software at Small Area (SA) level. In total, there are 18,641 SAs in Ireland each containing, on average, 80 to 120 households. The composite approach allows for a multidimensional analysis by combining six indicators which inform two weighted categories which relate to: 1) WFA Feasibility Factors (FWFA) and 2) WFA Personal Preference Factors (PWFA). The application of the WFAI is not limited to understanding how changes in certain parameters will influence feasibility to WFA; it can also demonstrate how policy may design or modify interventions to manage changes. It can be used to assist policymakers in estimating the impact of a range of different hypothetical policies and interventions. For example, the impact of enhanced access to high-speed broadband on the WFAI.

The full internationally peer reviewed methodology is available here.

Analysis with the HH-EPRI is undertaken using GIS software at Small Area (SA) level. In total, there are 18,641 SAs in Ireland, each containing, on average, 80 to 120 households. The composite approach allows for a multidimensional analysis of energy poverty by combining ten indicators which inform three weighted categories which relate to: 1) Heating Requirements (HR) of the building; 2) Building Characteristics (BC) and 3) Householder Characteristics (HC). The application of the HH-EPRI is not limited to understanding how changes in certain parameters will influence energy poverty; it can also demonstrate how policy may design or modify interventions to manage changes. For example, if the energy efficiency of homes in a small town is improved a number of grades on the building energy rating scale, how does this intervention affect energy demand and associated energy poverty risk?

The full internationally peer reviewed methodology is available here.

In response, the behavioural sciences advocate for softer, psychologically-informed strategies known as “Nudges” within the broader framework of “Behavioural Public Policy.” These approaches focus on making desired behaviors, like walking and cycling, more convenient and enjoyable. When an activity is pleasant and effortless, it fosters habits, positively shapes attitudes, and influences mode choices in transportation.

Understanding commuters’ experiences is crucial for designing appealing and sustainable transport services while encouraging alternative travel modes. This policy brief draws insights from a commuter survey encompassing over 4,000 commutes to University College Dublin, a major commuting destination in Ireland. The findings hold relevance for transport policies aimed at reducing car usage and promoting walking and cycling cultures. The brief also provides recommendations for future research in this domain.

For more information, see: Happy Travels – Travel Satisfaction Brief – EnvEcon 2020

For more information, see: Nudge Forgood – Ethical Behavioural Policy Design – EnvEcon 2020

For more information, see: DRM Research Method – Guide – EnvEcon 2020

The 2022 EnvEcon CC Report goes beyond emissions reporting and analysis. It shifts its focus to evaluate the performance of Irish policies in relation to well-defined national targets, as outlined in CAP21 and CAP23. Furthermore, it spotlights critical research conducted by EnvEcon across various sectors, offering valuable insights to guide policy decisions and actions towards 2030 and beyond. It identifies key challenges in climate mitigation, primarily in sectors like residential, road transport, and agriculture, which consistently contribute to approximately 80% of total non-ETS emissions each year. Potential solutions, including residential retrofits, EV deployment, and emission reduction measures in agriculture, are outlined. However, considerable progress is required to meet the set targets. To overcome these challenges, Ireland must continue to innovate its policies and engage in project-based initiatives, particularly in sectors like energy efficiency, transportation, and buildings. These efforts, coupled with technology-driven decarbonisation, are essential for achieving emission reduction goals. Additionally, fostering changes in behaviour and practices through incentives and non-technical initiatives is crucial. Addressing air quality is another imperative, with Ireland needing to meet emission ceilings set by the NECD for key air pollutants. The report identifies residential, transport, and agriculture as key pressure points. Policies targeting renewable electricity generation, phasing out peat and coal, residential retrofit programs, EV adoption, and innovative farming practices are expected to have a significant impact on air pollution mitigation.

The Challenge and Compliance Report serves as a valuable resource for comprehending Ireland’s progress and challenges in emissions reduction and air quality improvement. It underscores the importance of continuous policy innovation, technology adoption, and behavioural changes to achieve ambitious climate and air quality goals in the years ahead.

For more information, see: EnvEcon Challenge and Compliance Report 2022