ASSESSING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION IMPACTS FROM CARSHARING IN NORTH AMERICA: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN

摘要

This paper presents a methodology for evaluating the carbon dioxide (CO_2) emissionrnreductions that result from individuals participating in a carsharing organization. Thernprinciple of carsharing is simple: individuals gain the benefits of private vehicle use withoutrnthe costs and responsibilities of ownership. Carsharing is most common in major urban areasrnwhere transportation alternatives are easily accessible. Individuals typically access vehiclesrnby joining an organization that maintains a fleet of cars and light trucks in a network ofrnlocations. Vehicles are most frequently deployed from lots located in neighborhoods, transitrnstations, employment centers, and colleges/universities. An increasing body of empiricalrnevidence affirms that carsharing organizations provide numerous transportation, land use,rnsocial, and environmental benefits, including reduced vehicle miles/kilometers traveled andrnCO_2 emissions.rnIn this study, the authors outline the necessary factors that need to be considered inrndeveloping a robust estimate of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts resulting fromrncarsharing. A discussion of the theoretical foundations and methodological framework forrncalculating the impacts is presented. The methodology will be applied to evaluate memberrnreductions across numerous carsharing organizations in Canada and the United States,rnsimultaneously. Results derived from this methodology will characterize emission impacts byrnmember profile, business model, market segment, pricing plan, and the type of environmentrn(e.g., urban) in which the member uses carsharing.