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On The Road
Cars and trucks on our roads are responsible for about 18% of Canada's total GHGs.
Every year, motor vehicles release more than 134 million tonnes of GHGs into
the atmosphere.
In urban areas, vehicle exhaust can account for up to two thirds of smog-producing
pollutants. Smog is particularly harmful to the health of children, the elderly and
people with cardio-respiratory problems.
How you get around, the way you drive, the type of car or truck you own, and how
you maintain it determine the amount of fuel you use and the emissions you produce.
Driving less is the first step toward slowing climate change, improving
air quality and saving money.
Why choose sustainable transportation?
Transportation choices such as cycling, inline skating, walking, jogging, carpooling, public transit, taking the train and teleworking reduce GHGs and protect the quality of air we breathe. Other benefits include getting exercise, avoiding traffic jams and saving money.
Driving smart
Driving smart means driving safely, saving fuel and money and reducing emissions. Learn more
Take the Commuter Challenge
This is a friendly competition among Canadian cities, coordinated nationally by Go for Green, to see which one can reduce energy use and cut air pollution the most by using a combination of active and sustainable modes of transportation. Make a commitment to use alternative forms of transportation during Clean Air Day, in the first week of June, then register the mode you used and the distance you travelled. Visit the Commuter Challenge and Clean Air Day websites for more information.
The EnerGuide Awards
Each year, Natural Resources Canada recognizes the most fuel-efficient vehicles in
their class. Winning vehicles are determined by testing that simulates 20,000
kilometres annually (55% in the city, 45% on the highway). Names of award-winning vehicles for past years are also available at the Office of Energy Efficiency.
Save on fuel costs
Check and compare the fuel consumption for all passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks sold in Canada. Use the Fuel Consumption Guide to select the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Order your free copy at 1 800 387-2000 or visit the Office of Energy Efficiency.
Did you know?
- Our average meal travels about 2,500 kilometres to our plates. A 40-tonne transport truck releases about five tonnes of GHGs for one typical shipment of food – about equal to the GHGs an average Canadian produces annually. Find out about buying seasonal and local goods at Climate Change Solutions.
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