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The State of Energy Efficiency in Canada, Office of Energy Efficiency Report 2006
TransportationMarket TrendsIn 2003, the transportation sector accounted for approximately 28 percent of secondary energy use in Canada and about 34 percent of related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Energy efficiency improvements in freight and passenger transportation limited the growth in transportation energy use to 26 percent between 1990 and 2003. Without these improvements, transportation energy use would have increased by 41 percent over the period. Of interest, light and heavy trucks, with a combined increase of 404.2 petajoules, accounted for 84 percent of energy growth in the transportation sector over this period. GHG emissions from the transportation sector increased by 25 percent from 1990 to 2003, consistent with the increase in energy use and the sector's reliance on fossil fuels. The transportation sector consists of three sub-sectors: passenger, freight and off-road. The passenger sub-sector comprises three modes (road, rail and air), and the freight sub-sector comprises four modes (road, rail, air and marine). Road transport uses the most energy, accounting for more than 79 percent of total transportation energy use. Of this, over 59 percent is for passenger transportation and the remainder is for freight transportation. Figure 16 illustrates an improvement in trucking energy intensity despite an increase in average activity over 1990 to 2003. Improved fleet practices, caused by an increase in transportation sector competitiveness and the introduction of electronic engines, have significantly improved engine fuel efficiency in medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Promoting Energy EfficiencyOpportunities to improve the energy efficiency of road transport include manufacturing vehicles that are more fuel efficient; encouraging private and commercial owners to purchase such vehicles; and promoting fuel-efficient driving and maintenance practices. In addition, there are opportunities for passenger and freight users to employ more energy-efficient modes of transportation, such as route optimization, active transportation and modal shifts. The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) works to improve the efficiency of fuel use in road transportation. Its approach is to
The OEE also promotes the development and use of alternative transportation fuels, seeking ways to reduce GHG emissions in the transportation sector through such energy sources as natural gas, ethanol, bio-diesel and fuel cells. Selected Progress Indicators in Transportation
The OEE's Transportation ProgramThe vehicle efficiency component of the OEE's Transportation Program is intended to bring about a 25 percent improvement in the fuel efficiency of new light-duty vehicles sold in Canada by 2010. The initiative targets a significant voluntary improvement in new-vehicle fuel efficiency through The initiative targets a significant voluntary improvement in new-vehicle fuel efficiency through an agreement with the automobile industry, signed April 5, 2005, that targets an annual reduction in GHG emissions of 5.3 megatonnes by 2010. The initiative also involves consumer education activities and the evaluation of advanced vehicle technologies to facilitate their introduction and use in Canada. For more information, visit the Web site at oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/fuels/motorvehicles.cfm. The Personal Vehicles initiative has developed campaign resources, information, tools and messaging in association with its partners to improve the public's fuel-efficient vehicle operation and maintenance practices. National campaigns and education initiatives were developed to increase motorists' awareness of the effect their vehicle-purchasing decisions and driving and maintenance practices have on their fuel use and costs as well as the environment. In addition, under a voluntary agreement, manufacturers affix an EnerGuide label to new cars, vans and light-duty trucks sold in Canada. The label indicates the vehicle's fuel consumption rating and estimated annual fuel costs, to help consumers select the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets their everyday needs. For more information, visit the Web site at vehicles.gc.ca. The OEE's activities regarding fleet vehicles provide private-sector fleet managers with information, workshops, technical demonstrations and training programs on fuel-efficient practices for fleet vehicles. For more information, visit the Web site at fleetsmart.nrcan.gc.ca. The OEE's work in alternative transportation fuels promotes the development and use of alternative and future fuels in Canada. Information on conventional and alternative fuels is disseminated through reports, brochures and public events. Information on economic impacts, GHG emissions and general technical aspects are shared with the public and private sectors. The OEE forms partnerships with industry, research and other organizations in transportation, industry and energy. Such partnerships allow the OEE to follow and promote new developments in alternative transportation fuels, including further improvements in environmental and economic performance. Alternative transportation fuels include propane, natural gas, alcohols, electricity and hydrogen; conventional fuels include gasoline and diesel. For more information, visit the Web site at oee.nrcan.gc.ca/vehiclefuels. Measures for Alternative Transportation Fuels
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