Volume 21: Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Post-COVID Recovery towards a Better Future: Part IV

Composite Transport Sustainability Index: Cross-country Assessment Towards Climate Neutrality in the Context of the European Green Deal Targets Kristiāna Dolge, Dagnija Blumberga

Abstract

This study assesses the overall sustainability level of the transport sector in all European Union member states and the UK using the composite sustainability index methodology for cross-country comparison. The composite transport sustainability index included 15 different indicators grouped into 4 main dimensions – mobility, sustainability, innovation, and environmental. Results show high potential for increasing transport sustainability in all countries included in the study. Sweden and the Netherlands can be seen as benchmarks for achieving higher long-term sustainability. Most countries are lagging behind in innovating transportation systems by providing the necessary infrastructure for electric vehicles and alternative fuel cars. More emphasis should be placed on increasing the share of public transport in total passenger transport.

Keywords transport sector, sustainability assessment, composite index, indicators, cross-country comparison