We caught up with Jan-Eric Sundgren, the Volvo Group’s Senior Vice President Public & Environmental Affairs after he spoke at the “Green City” session.
How did you enjoy the “Green City” session?
It was extremely interesting with a wide variety of speakers including Alexandra Volkoff, the Canadian Ambassador to Sweden; Mary Crass administrative director of the OECD’s International Transport Forum; Ulla Hamilton, Deputy Mayor of Stockholm and representatives from Cisco, the Calfornian road authorities and South Korea’s transportation authority.
What exactly is a “Green City”?
An urban area where there is a safe flow of goods and travellers moving in an efficient and environmentally friendly way.
What was the focus of the session?
Aside from the important issue of reducing CO2 emissions by at least 20% by 2020, we discussed urban transport issues like the role of the politicians in ITS, transport regulations and how to change urban travelling behaviour. We also focused on the role of business in contributing to a more holistic view of green cities.
We’re in the middle of a recession so there is a danger that costly environmental initiatives may be postponed. Did the session touch on this issue?
Reducing CO2 emissions and green cities is an important part of ITS solutions but economic concerns are of course aired in many ITS-related discussions. We have to balance both economics and the environment.
Our Round Table discussion focused on how future transportation could contribute to fulfilling the climate goals set by governments and politicians around the world. As awareness grows about the impact of cities on climate issues, urban areas are taking environmental actions.
What can the Volvo Group contribute to “Green Cities”?
We have invested a lot in reducing CO2 emissions in our technology – in our hybrid projects and in our Bus Rapid Transit systems. If you look at the ITS part, the development of our online system, Dynafleet, is important – we are adding more and more features which are directly related to environmental issues.
In addition, safety and security are always at the backbone of everything we do.
Visit www.volvogroup.com/rt for daily updates from the congress and to learn more about our work with ITS.
Check out or download images from the congress in the Volvo Group image gallery.